The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 07, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 24, 1993
Robert L Hatch, Wellsville, UT (US);
Robert D Taylor, Hyrum, UT (US);
Jerald C Hinshaw, Ogden, UT (US);
Thiokol Corporation, Ogden, UT (US);
Abstract
Methods and materials for modifying rocket motors to render them safer are disclosed. The invention is primarily related to placing within the bore of a rocket motor a sufficient quantity of a material mitigant such that if the rocket motor receives an unintended impact, the material mitigates the effects of the impact, and prevents ignition or explosion of the propellant. The material mitigant may take a number of forms; however, polymer foams and fibers of various types have been found to work well. It is presently preferred that the material mitigants have a density of not less than approximately 0.04 grams/cc. Examples of such materials include polyurethane foam, polystyrene, and Kevlar.RTM. fibers. It is also preferred that the material mitigant not be reactive with the propellant in the rocket motor. While the material mitigant is configured such that it absorbs fragments or energy of propellant dislodged by the impact, at the same time it does not interfere with the normal ignition and operation of the rocket motor.