US4976794A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermoplastic elastomer-based low vulnerability ammunition gun propellants
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC
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Filing: 1988-08-05
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Granted: 1990-12-11
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Expires: 2008-08-05
Abstract
Abstract LOVA gun propellants are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and particulates of high-energy oxidizers, e.g., RDX and HMX.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Biddle
- 👤 Rodney L. Willer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:22
CPC Classifications
C; C06; C06B; C06B45/00; C06B45/04; C06B45/06; C06B45/10; C06B25/00; C06B25/34; C06B45/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A low vulnerability ammunition gun propellant composition comprising from about 60 to 85 wt. percent of particulates of a high-energy oxidizer and between about 15 wt. percent and about 40 wt. percent of a thermoplastic, elastomeric binder system, said binder system being substantially free of metallic particulates and materials which leave a solid residue, said binder system comprising a non-cross-linked, thermoplastic, elastomeric polymer in which at least one pair of crystalline A blocks flanks at least one amorphous B block and from 0 to about 80 wt. percent of a plasticizer, wherein said non-cross-linked, elastomeric polymer comprises crystalline polyester A blocks and an amorphous polyester B block.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A low vulnerability ammunition gun propellant composition comprising from about 60 to 85 wt. percent of particulates of a high-energy oxidizer and between about 15 wt. percent and about 40 wt. percent of a thermoplastic, elastomeric binder system, said binder system being substantially free of metallic particulates and materials which leave a solid residue, said binder system comprising a non-cross-linked, thermoplastic, elastomeric polymer in which at least one pair of crystalline A blocks flanks at least one amorphous B block and from 0 to about 80 wt. percent of a plasticizer, wherein said non-cross-linked, elastomeric polymer comprises crystalline polyester A blocks and an amorphous polyester B block.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A propellant composition according to claim 1 which includes a plasticizer which is non-energetic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A propellant composition according to claim 2 wherein said non-energetic plasticizer is dioctyl phthalate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A propellant composition according to claim 1 which includes a plasticizer which is energetic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A propellant composition according to claim 4 wherein said plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of butanetriol trinitrate, trimethylolethane trinitrate and nitroglycerine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A propellant composition according to claim 1 wherein the oxidizer from which said oxidizer particulates are formed is selected from the group consisting of tetramethylenetetranitramine, trimethylenetrinitramine, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A propellant composition according to claim 1 wherein said non-cross-linked, thermoplastic, elastomeric polymer is a block polymer having polyethylene succinate blocks and polydiethyleneglycoladipate blocks.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A propellant in accordance with claim 1 wherein said propellant is substantially free of chlorine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A propellant in accordance with claim 1 wherein said crystalline A blocks of said non-cross-linked, thermoplastic, elastomeric polymer melt in a temperature range of between about 70° C. and about 105° C.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-06-11 | 1994-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-10 | 1998-06-11 | 1998-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-10 | 2002-06-11 | 2002-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |