Alliant Techsystems Inc.

Thiokol Corporation

Morton Thiokol Inc.

Orbital Atk, Inc.

James D Rozanski

Gary K Lund

Reed J Blau

Daniel W Doll

Richard M Truitt

William P Sampson

David W Endicott

Michael T Rose

Jared K Olson

Russell J George

C Max White

Steven J Bradley

R Brad Cragun

Mark A Moore

Ross W Guymon

John Holland

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.

Man-rated fire suppression system and related methods

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.

Projectiles for marking targets and methods of manufacturing such projectiles

Projectiles for marking targets, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of utilizing the same

An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a Row path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.

Method and apparatus for suppression of fires

An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a flow path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.

A computer-implemented system and method for evaluating gas bag inflator designs are disclosed, including an inflator state machine having slots for signals corresponding to predetermined gas dynamic and heat transfer characteristics of a gas bag inflator at a specified time. Inflator state machines having one or more chambers, and zero or more deflectors, screen packs, burst disks, and vents are supported. Initial temperatures, pressures, and chamber gas contents may be specified, as may the geometry and other characteristics of gas generant pills. A controller in the state machine accesses a chemical database to obtain information about enthalpy, viscosity, and other properties of gas generant combustion products, igniter combustion products, and other compounds present within the gas bag inflator. Running the state machine produces predictions of pressure and temperature behavior within a fabricated gas bag inflator, permits elimination of gas bag inflator designs that are unlikely to meet predetermined performance goals, and provides explanations for unexpected test results of fabricated inflators.

Method and system for evaluating gas generants and gas generators

A system and method for inflating and deflating an air bag within a vehicle without substantially exposing the occupants of the vehicle to toxic compounds, particulates, and other contaminants in the gas mixture used to inflate the air bag. The system includes a flow guide having an exterior port in fluid communication with the ambient air outside the vehicle, an air bag port connectable in fluid communication with the air bag, and an internal bore permitting fluid flow between the exterior port and the air bag. A nozzle disposed within the flow guide bore is secured to an inflator containing a pressurized gas source. The nozzle and flow guide preferably have certain geometric characteristics disclosed herein. In operation, gas is expelled from the gas bag inflator through the nozzle at a velocity sufficient to entrain ambient air from outside the vehicle. The entrained ambient air mixes with the gas expelled through the nozzle, and the mixture inflates the air bag. The air bag is deflated by moving the mixture out of the air bag and through the flow guide bore for disposition amidst ambient air outside the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle's occupants are not substantially exposed to the mixture and its contaminants, because the bag is vented outside the vehicle.

System and method for gas bag inflation and deflation

An igniter for high-performance rocket motors having a full head-end web of propellant in the forward end of the motor includes a shallow cup-shaped fiberglass reinforced urethane container, dual rubber orifice arrangement in a plurality (12) of peripherally spaced exhaust ports, a shear key or lip for interlocking into the rocket motor propellant, and a saddle arrangement for initiator tube retention.

Growing community of inventors

Brigham City, UT, United States of America

James D Rozanski