US4023492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Metallic-fuel-enhanced, focused-gas warhead
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1968-11-18
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Granted: 1977-05-17
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Expires: 1988-11-18
Abstract
Abstract A warhead which upon detonation imparts such high velocities to particles magnesium that they expand outwardly faster than the gas from the explosion. The particles are positioned so that they are propelled in predetermined directions. The burning particles precondition the air thus allowing the gaseous explosion products to expand in the particle paths at a much more rapid rate than normal. Larger aluminum particles are also positioned to travel in predetermined directions upon detonation. As the magnesium particles travel outward they lose their effect on the gas cloud because of the distance between them and the expanding gas cloud. The aluminum particles then emerge from the slowing gas cloud and precondition the air to promote more rapid and further expansion of the gas cloud in the paths of the aluminum particles.
Inventors
- 👤 Marvin L. Kempton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:41
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41H; F41H11/00; F41H11/02; F42; F42B; F42B12/00; F42B12/02; F42B12/20; F42B12/201; F42B12/202; F42B12/22; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S102/00; Y10S102/701
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A warhead comprising: an explosive charge; two areas of two different metallic fuels surrounding the explosive charge, the metallic fuels being in a predetermined arrangement; and means for initiating said explosive charge so that pressure created at the area of one of said metallic fuels is great enough to fragment said metallic fuel and propel the fragments faster than the gas cloud created by said explosive charge, the other metallic fuel being in an area in which lesser pressures are created.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A warhead comprising: an explosive charge; two areas of two different metallic fuels surrounding the explosive charge, the metallic fuels being in a predetermined arrangement; and means for initiating said explosive charge so that pressure created at the area of one of said metallic fuels is great enough to fragment said metallic fuel and propel the fragments faster than the gas cloud created by said explosive charge, the other metallic fuel being in an area in which lesser pressures are created.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A warhead according to claim 1 wherein the metallic fuel in said one area is magnesium and the metallic fuel in said other area is aluminum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
86 words
A warhead comprising an explosive charge; two areas of metallic fuel surrounding the explosive charge, the metallic fuels being in a predetermined arrangement; and means for initiating said explosive charge so that pressure created at the area of one of said metallic fuels, comprising a magnesium insert, is great enough to fragment said metallic fuel and propel the fragments faster than the gas cloud created by said explosive charge, the other metallic fuel comprising aluminum spherules being in an area in which lesser pressures are created.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
86 words
A warhead comprising an explosive charge; two areas of metallic fuel surrounding the explosive charge, the metallic fuels being in a predetermined arrangement; and means for initiating said explosive charge so that pressure created at the area of one of said metallic fuels, comprising a magnesium insert, is great enough to fragment said metallic fuel and propel the fragments faster than the gas cloud created by said explosive charge, the other metallic fuel comprising aluminum spherules being in an area in which lesser pressures are created.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A warhead according to claim 3 wherein said explosive charge is elongated, said initiating means comprises a booster at each end of said explosive charge and said one metallic fuel area is at the center of length of said charge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A warhead according to claim 4 wherein destructive fragments are also provided surrounding said explosive charge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A warhead according to claim 1, wherein said metallic fuels comprise particles.
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) | 1980-05-16 | 1980-11-15 | 1981-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-16 | 1984-11-15 | 1985-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-16 | 1988-11-15 | 1989-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |