U.S. patent application number 10/958925 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for method and apparatus for frangible projectiles.
Invention is credited to Keith T. Williams.
Application Number | 20060048668 10/958925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33030255 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060048668 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Keith T. |
March 9, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for frangible projectiles
Abstract
The preset invention discloses and claims a frangible projectile
and method for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a
target from stand-off distances. The frangible projectile may
include fluorescent or optical powders and may provide a method for
marking and detecting a target of interest. Alternately, the
frangible projectile may include inert nano-powders and may provide
a method for preventing a high-order detonation of a target
containing explosive material from stand-off distances.
Inventors: |
Williams; Keith T.;
(Edgefield, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Family ID: |
33030255 |
Appl. No.: |
10/958925 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10686201 |
Oct 15, 2003 |
6799518 |
|
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10958925 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/74 20130101;
F42B 12/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/513 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/38 20060101
F42B012/38 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A frangible projectile comprising: a. primary components; b. a
binding component substantially coating said primary components;
and c. active components having a diameter less than approximately
0.006 inches; wherein said primary, binding, and active components
are cold-pressed to form a ballistic shape having a front end and a
distal end and having a specific gravity approximately equal to
lead, and wherein said active components comprise at least one of
silicone, silica dioxide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide,
aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron,
aluminum, magnesium, sulfur, or zirconium.
12. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said primary
components comprise at least one of tungsten, tantalum, or
tungsten-carbide.
13. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said primary
components have a diameter of less than approximately 0.180
inches.
14. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said primary
components have a specific gravity greater than lead.
15. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said binding
component comprises at least one of tin, aluminum, bismuth, copper,
or zinc.
16. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said binding
component has a specific gravity less than lead.
17. (canceled)
18. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said active
components are substantially homogeneously mixed with said primary
and binding components during fabrication.
19. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein said ballistic
shape includes a first bore for containing said active
components.
20. The frangible projectile as in claim 19, wherein said first
bore is located at said distal end of said frangible
projectile.
21. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, further including a
longitudinal bore in said frangible projectile.
22. The frangible projectile as in claim 21, further including a
long rod penetrator in said longitudinal bore.
23-27. (canceled)
28. A frangible projectile comprising: a. primary components; b. a
binding component substantially coating said primary components;
and c. active components selected from the group consisting of
silicone, silica dioxide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide,
aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron,
aluminum, magnesium, sulfur, zirconium and combinations thereof; d.
wherein said primary, binding, and active components are
cold-pressed to form a ballistic shape having a front end and a
distal end and having a specific gravity approximately equal to
lead.
29. The frangible projectile as in claim 28, wherein said active
components have a diameter less than approximately 0.006.
30. The frangible projectile as in claim 28, wherein said primary
components comprise at least one of tungsten, tantalum, or
tungsten-carbide.
31. The frangible projectile as in claim 28, wherein said primary
components have a diameter of less than approximately 0.180
inches.
32. (canceled)
33. The frangible projectile as in claim 11, wherein the active
components are configured to neutralize explosive material without
causing a high-order detonation of the explosive material.
34. The frangible projectile as in claim 28, wherein the active
components are configured to neutralize explosive material without
causing a high-order detonation of the explosive material.
35. A frangible projectile, comprising: a cold-pressed composite
core; and active components being carried by the composite core and
being configured to neutralize explosive material without causing a
high-order detonation of the explosive material, the composite core
and the active components defining a ballistic shape.
36. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, wherein the active
components are a powder, the powder being configured to lubricate
the explosive material.
37. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, wherein the active
components are a powder, the powder being configured to scavenge
oxygen from the explosive material to prevent the high-order
detonation.
38. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, wherein the active
components are a powder, the powder being configured to scavenge
oxygen to cause at least one of a low-order detonation, a no-order
detonation or a non-explosive burnout of the explosive
material.
39. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, wherein the active
components are an aluminum powder.
40. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, wherein the active
components are a powder selected from the group consisting of
silicon, silica dioxide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide,
aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron,
aluminum, magnesium, sulfur, zirconium and combinations
thereof.
41. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, further comprising
primary components selected from the group consisting of tungsten,
tantalum, tungsten-carbide and combinations thereof.
42. The frangible projectile as in claim 35, further comprising
binding components selected from the group consisting of tin,
aluminum, bismuth, copper, zinc and combinations thereof.
43. A frangible projectile, comprising.: a cold-pressed composite
core; and a nano-powder being configured to neutralize explosive
material without causing a high-order detonation of the explosive
material, the composite core and the nano-powder defining a
ballistic shape.
44. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, wherein the
nano-powder is selected from the group consisting of silicon,
silica dioxide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, aluminum
nitride, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron, aluminum,
magnesium, sulfur, zirconium and combinations thereof.
45. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, wherein the
nano-powder is configured to lubricate the explosive material.
46. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, wherein the
nano-powder is configured to scavenge oxygen from the explosive
material to prevent the high-order detonation.
47. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, wherein the
nano-powder is configured to scavenge oxygen to cause at least one
of a low-order detonation, a no-order detonation or a non-explosive
burnout of the explosive material.
48. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, further comprising
primary components including at least one of tungsten, tantalum, or
tungsten-carbide.
49. The frangible projectile as in claim 43, wherein the
nano-powder is substantially homogeneously mixed with the composite
core.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Various devices and methods exist to deliver a selected
agent to a target at limited distances with limited penetration of
the target. For example, a tear gas gun or rifle can deliver a
canister containing an agent to a target. These specialized,
single-purpose instruments are limited to delivering only similarly
specialized, single-purpose canisters. In addition, the
specialized, single-purpose canisters contain a limited number of
agents, such as CS2 or pepper spray. Moreover, the canisters'
ballistic characteristics and structure necessarily limit the
maximum effective range and penetrating capability for the
canister.
[0002] Other devices and methods are capable of longer ranges and
greater penetration, but generally have no capability for
delivering a selectable agent to the target. For example, frangible
bullets are available for virtually any caliber of weapon and are
not limited to specialized, single-purpose weapons. The frangible
bullets' ballistic characteristics and structure generally permit
increased range and penetration; however, they provide no ability
for delivering a selected agent to the target.
[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,798 issued to Benini and
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,852,255 and 5,852,858 issued to Hallis et al.
describe frangible bullets designed to break apart with little or
no penetration of the target. U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,021 issued to
Schultz and U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,894 issued to Huffman describe
frangible bullets that include one or more rods. In these designs,
the frangible bullet penetrates the target before or during
franging to allow the rods to continue along the delivery path and
further penetrate the target. Although the frangible bullets
described above provide additional range and penetrating
capability, none of these frangible bullets is capable of
delivering a wide array of selected materials, blended materials,
or agents to the target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth below
in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a frangible projectile
for marking a target of interest includes primary components, a
binding component, and active components. The binding component
substantially coats the primary components. The active components
include an optical marker that emits a predetermined wavelength.
The primary, binding, and active components are cold-pressed to
form a ballistic shape having a front end and a distal end and
having a specific gravity approximately equal to lead.
[0006] In particular embodiments, the primary components may be
tungsten, tantalum, or tungsten-carbide, may have a diameter of
less than approximately 0.180 inches, and/or may have a specific
gravity greater than lead. In other particular embodiments, the
binding component may be tin, aluminum, bismuth, copper, or zinc
and/or may have a specific gravity less than lead.
[0007] The active components may be substantially homogeneously
mixed with the primary and binding components during fabrication,
and the optical marker may be a fluorescent, specific wavelength,
or multi-spectral wavelength marker. The ballistic shape may
include a first bore for containing the active components, and the
first bore may be located at the distal end of the frangible
projectile.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention may be a
frangible projectile that includes primary components, a binding
component substantially coating the primary components, and active
components having a diameter less than approximately 0.006 inches.
The primary, binding, and active components are cold-pressed to
form a ballistic shape having a front end and a distal end and
having a specific gravity approximately equal to lead.
[0009] In particular embodiments, the primary components may be
tungsten, tantalum, or tungsten-carbide, may have a diameter of
less than approximately 0.180 inches, and/or may have a specific
gravity greater than lead. In other particular embodiments, the
binding component may be tin, aluminum, bismuth, copper, or zinc,
and/or may have a specific gravity less than lead.
[0010] The active components may be silicone, silica dioxide,
silicon carbide, titanium carbide, aluminum nitride, aluminum
oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron, aluminum, magnesium, iron,
sulfur, or zirconium. The active components may be substantially
homogeneously mixed with the primary and binding components during
fabrication. The ballistic shape may include a first bore for
containing the active components, and the first bore may be located
at the distal end of the frangible projectile. The ballistic shape
may further include a longitudinal bore with a long rod penetrator
in the longitudinal bore.
[0011] The present invention also includes a method for delivering
a selected agent to a target. The method includes cold-pressing
primary components, a binding component, and active components to
form a ballistic shape. The method further includes firing the
ballistic shape at the target and impacting the target with the
ballistic shape resulting in the ballistic shape breaking apart and
releasing the active components at the target.
[0012] In particular embodiments, the method may include mixing the
active components with the primary and binding components before
cold-pressing the primary, binding, and active components to form
the ballistic shape. Other particular embodiments may include
forming a bore in the ballistic shape for holding the active
components. Further particular embodiments may include exciting
and/or detecting the active components at the target.
[0013] Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate
the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon
review of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set
forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification,
including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are sequential views of an
embodiment of the present invention passing through a target;
and
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side plan views of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments
of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of
explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In
fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance,
features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be
used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such
modifications and variations as come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
[0020] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a target
from stand-off distances. The devices and methods are compatible
for use with conventional small and large caliber firearms, as well
as with larger delivery platforms such as those used in the
military. Examples of selected agents are dyes, chemicals,
diatomaceous earths, reactants, ceramics, powders, polymers,
mixtures, compounds, and other basic elements of the periodic
table, depending on the particular application.
[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an unjacketed center-fired
cartridge 10 containing a frangible projectile 20 constructed
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge
10 generally includes a casing 12, primer 14, propellant 16, and
the frangible projectile 20. The casing 12, primer 14, and
propellant 16 are typical components common to center-fired
cartridges known in the art. It should be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the present invention includes use
of the frangible projectile 20 in a full-jacketed cartridge as well
as in a rim-fired cartridge which would be substantially identical
to the center-fired cartridge, except for the absence of the primer
14.
[0022] In operation, a user chambers the cartridge 10 containing
the frangible projectile 20 in a weapon suited for the caliber of
the cartridge 10. A firing pin in the weapon strikes the primer 14
to ignite the propellant 16 in the casing 12 and propel the
frangible projectile 20 from the casing 12 out of the weapon toward
the intended target.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frangible projectile 20
generally comprises primary components 22, a binding component 24,
and active components 26. The frangible projectile 20 has a
specific gravity comparable to lead, making the projectile
compatible with commercially available propellants, yet the
projectile is sufficiently hard to withstand firing transients
caused by the propellant 16.
[0024] The primary components 22 provide the majority of the mass
and hardness for the frangible projectile 20. The primary
components 22 may be a metal and/or a metal compound or alloy
having a specific gravity greater than lead. Before fabrication
into the frangible projectile 20, the primary components 22
generally consist of small particles on the order of 0.066 to 0.180
inches in diameter, although smaller or larger particles are within
the scope of the present invention. Suitable elements for the
primary components 22 may be tungsten, tantalum, and/or compounds
or alloys made from these materials such as tungsten-carbide,
although other suitable elements are known to one of ordinary skill
in the art and within the scope of the present invention.
[0025] The binding component 24 is relatively light and soft
compared to the primary component 22 and binds the primary
component 22 together to form the shape of the frangible projectile
20. The binding component has a specific gravity less than Lead.
Suitable elements for the binding component 24 may be tin,
aluminum, bismuth, copper, zinc, and/or compounds or alloys made
from these materials, although other suitable elements are known to
one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of the
present invention.
[0026] The active components 26 consist of the selected agents to
be delivered to the target by the frangible projectile 20,
depending on the particular application for the frangible
projectile 20, as will be explained in more detail later. The
active components 26 may exist as part of a homogeneous mixture
with the primary 22 and binding 24 components, as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternately, the active components 26 may reside separately from
the primary 22 and binding 24 components, in pockets, bores, or
other cavities 28 made in the frangible projectile 20, as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0027] The primary 22, binding 24, and active 26 components adhere
together to form the frangible projectile 20 using cold (i.e., room
temperature or slightly heated) pressure or swaging. This method of
fabrication is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and
is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,776 issued to Lowden et
al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes. The amount of pressure used in the swaging process may
vary according to the particular target, barriers around the
target, and intended use for the frangible projectile 20. For
example, the fabrication pressure is on the order of 350 MPa, or
greater, if the frangible projectile 20 must penetrate a hard
target, such as 3/8 inch carbon steel, before franging.
Alternately, the fabrication pressure is on the order of 140 MPa if
the frangible projectile 20 must frange immediately upon impact
with a relatively soft target, such as 1/32 inch sheet-metal. These
examples are by way of illustration only and are not intended to
limit the scope or meaning of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate snapshot depictions at 1
millisecond intervals of one embodiment of the frangible projectile
20 fired through an 18 gauge steel panel 30. The fabrication
pressure for this embodiment was approximately 240 MPa to ensure
that the frangible projectile 20 penetrated the steel panel 30
before franging. As shown in FIG. 3A, the frangible projectile 20
penetrates most or all of the steel panel 30 before beginning to
frange. FIG. 3B shows that as the frangible projectile 20 passes
through the steel panel 30, the projectile 20 completely
disintegrates to form a cloud 32 of primary and binding components
while releasing the active components 26 in the target area.
Subsequent snapshots, FIGS. 3C and 3D, illustrate that the cloud 32
continues to expand along the axis of travel, further dispersing
the active components 26 in the target area.
[0029] Specific embodiments of the frangible projectile 20 may
contain various active components 26, depending on the particular
use, as will now be described. These examples provide illustrations
for specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of
the invention to the specific embodiments.
[0030] In one embodiment, the frangible projectile 20 includes
fluorescent or optical powders as the active components 26.
Examples of suitable fluorescent or optical powders include
fluoroscene and rhodamine liquid dyes; phosphors and phosphorus
powders; diatomaceous earths that include different sub-micron size
silica crystals, yttrium, europium; and powdered minerals, for
example garnet and sapphire, that emit a specific wave length
signature in one of the light wave spectrums, to include
ultraviolet, visible, infrared, x-ray, or a blend of the optical
powders for a multi-spectral wavelength signature in one or more of
the light wave spectrums, although other suitable elements are
known to one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of
the present invention. The optical material emits a fluorescent
response with a specific or multi-spectral wavelength signature
that can be viewed in the visible light spectrum or detected by
sensors in the invisible ultraviolet, infrared, and x-ray
electromagnetic spectrums. In this embodiment, penetration of the
target by the projectile 20 is generally not desired; therefore,
the fabrication pressure for the frangible projectile 20 containing
fluorescent or optical powders is the minimum swaging pressure
necessary to ensure structural integrity of the projectile 20 until
impact with the target.
[0031] This embodiment provides a device and method for covertly
marking, detecting, monitoring, tracking, and/or identifying a
target of interest at significant distances. A user fires the
frangible projectile 20 containing the fluorescent or optical
powders at the desired target. Upon impact with the target, the
frangible projectile 20 breaks apart or franges to release and
disperse the fluorescent or optical powders on the target. Once
marked, a light source such as a Laser Induced Fluorescent Imaging
(LIFI) system can excite the optical marker in the ultraviolet,
infrared, or visible light regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
with a specific wavelength that yields excitation of the optical
marker. The optical marker generates a photon emission that is
detectable by a sensor in the invisible regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum or becomes visible to the human eye if the
fluorescence is emitted in the visible light spectrum.
[0032] The light source can excite the optical marker and a
detector can detect, monitor, track, and/or identify the marked
target based on the specific wavelength emission of the marker or
multi-spectral wavelengths emitted by the fluorescence of multiple
blended optical materials.
[0033] In another embodiment, the frangible projectile 20 includes
micron, sub-micron, or nano-powders as the active components 26.
The micron, sub-micron, or nano-powders are generally several
orders of magnitude smaller than the primary components 22 and are
capable of reducing friction and scavenging air or oxygen during an
explosive initiation reaction. Examples of suitable micron,
sub-micron, or nano-powders include silicone, silica dioxide,
silicon carbide, titanium carbide, aluminum nitride, aluminum
oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon, boron, aluminum, magnesium, iron,
sulfur, or zirconium, although other suitable agents are known to
one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of the
present invention.
[0034] This embodiment provides a device and method to neutralize
munitions, unexploded ordnance, and/or improvised explosive
devices, such as pipe bombs, from a safe, stand-off distance,
without causing a high-order (complete combustion of the explosive
material) detonation. As previously described, the fabrication
pressure for this embodiment depends on the particular explosive
material and barriers around the explosive material. For example,
if a relatively thin barrier, such as plastic or thin sheet metal,
encases the explosive material, lower swaging pressures on the
order of 140 MPa would be appropriate to allow the frangible
projectile 20 to break apart or frange instantly upon impact and
penetration. Alternately, if a relatively thick, hardened barrier,
such as carbon-steel, encases the explosive material, higher
swaging pressures on the order of 350 MPa, or higher, would be
appropriate to allow the frangible projectile 20 to first penetrate
the barrier before breaking apart or franging.
[0035] A user fires the frangible projectile 20 containing the
micron, sub-micron, or nano-powders at a target containing
explosive material from a safe, stand-off distance. As the
frangible projectile 20 penetrates the target, the projectile
breaks apart or franges to disrupt the explosive material and
release the micron, sub-micron, or nano-powders in proximity to the
explosive material. The released powders disperse over and coat the
fractured explosive material. As a result, the powders lubricate
the fractured explosive material to mitigate the shock caused by
the franged primary 22 and binding 24 components as they move along
the axis of travel and continue to disrupt the explosive material.
This lubrication also reduces friction between the franged
particles and the explosive material, thereby reducing any
localized temperature increases. In addition, the powders may
scavenge air or oxygen present around the explosive material to
prevent a high-order explosion. The result is a low-order
detonation and/or no-order detonation and/or non-explosive burn-out
of the explosive material. In this manner, the frangible projectile
20 can neutralize various hazards such as pipe bombs, unexploded
ordnance, or virtually any explosive element, from a safe,
stand-off distance.
[0036] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an alternate embodiment of a
frangible projectile 40 containing micron, sub-micron, or
nano-powders as the active components 42. This embodiment would be
appropriate for neutralizing explosive material encased in
virtually any protective barrier in a safe manner from a safe
distance.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, this embodiment further
includes a full-metal jacket 44, an internal cup 46, a long rod
penetrator 48, and a base fuse initiator 50. Some or all of these
additional features may be included in the embodiment, depending on
the particular use.
[0038] The full-metal jacket 44 surrounds the frangible projectile
40 and protects it from premature frangmentation upon impact with
the barrier encasing the explosive material. Examples of materials
used for the jacket 44 include copper, aluminum, case-hardened
steel, or other suitable casings known to one of ordinary skill in
the art and within the scope of the present invention.
[0039] The internal cup 46 surrounds the base and may extend along
the outer circumference of the frangible projectile 40. The
internal cup 46 provides additional structural support for the
frangible projectile 40 to further prevent premature fragmentation
upon impact with the barrier enclosing the explosive material and
to shape or focus the fragmentation along the axis of travel.
Examples of materials used for the internal cup 46 include lead,
aluminum, copper, case-hardened steel, or other suitable materials
known to one of ordinary skill in the art and within the scope of
the present invention.
[0040] The long rod penetrator 48 resides in a cavity in the
frangible projectile 40 and provides additional penatrating ability
for the projectile 40 through the barrier encasing the explosive
material. Examples of materials used for the long rod penetrator 48
include case-hardened steel, tungsten carbide, or other suitable
materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art and within the
scope of the present invention.
[0041] The base fuse initiator 50 resides at the base of the
frangible projectile 40. The base fuse initiator 50 provides a
means for more rapidly injecting the frangible projectile 40
including inert nano-powders into the target. As shown in FIG. 4B,
the base fuse initiator 50 comprises a spring-loaded plunger 52, a
detonator 54, propellant 56, and a backing plate 58.
[0042] The spring-loaded plunger 52 provides a variable time delay
to allow the frangible projectile 40 and/or the long rod penetrator
48 to pierce the barrier encasing the explosive material before
actuating the base fuse initiator 50. The spring-loaded plunger 52
includes a spring 53 attached to a piston 55, although other
mechanical assemblies known in the art are suitable substitutes and
within the scope of this embodiment. Generally, the strength of the
spring 53 and/or the distance between the piston 55 and the
detonator 54 determines the time delay for the base fuse
initiator.
[0043] When the frangible projectile 40 and/or the long rod
penetrator 48 impact and pierce the barrier encasing the explosive
material, inertia overcomes the spring 53 bias and causes the
piston 55 to impact the detonator 54. The detonator 54 then ignites
the propellant 56, generating additional force against the backing
plate 58. The backing plate 58 may be a separate component or
incorporated into and integral with the internal cup 46. The
additional force from the propellant 56 against the backing plate
58 accelerates the frangible projectile 40 containing micron,
sub-micron, or nano-powders through the barrier and deeper into the
explosive material.
[0044] Additional embodiments of the frangible projectile 20 may
include some or all of the general structure as previously
described along with one or more active components 26. For example,
the active components 26 may include a polymer or other reactive
chemical agent for use with a target containing a fluid, such as
Sarin gas or other nerve agents. As the projectile 20 impacts the
target containing the fluid, the polymer or other reactive chemical
agent coagulates the fluid into a more solid or gelled form to
minimize the potential for airborne contamination and facilitate
subsequent safe handling and disposal.
[0045] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the
invention set forth herein without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *