U.S. patent application number 12/839941 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for chemiluminescent impact activated projectile.
Invention is credited to Earl Cranor, Jacques Ladyjensky, Joseph Cosimo Longo.
Application Number | 20100282118 12/839941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44629527 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100282118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ladyjensky; Jacques ; et
al. |
November 11, 2010 |
Chemiluminescent impact activated projectile
Abstract
The present invention relates to a non-pyrotechnic,
self-illuminating projectile useful for marking, target
illumination, or targeting adjustment which produces
chemiluminescent light upon impact with an object. Because the
production of light is delayed until impact, the projectile is not
visualized until impact and the intensity of light upon impact is
greater than light produced by projectiles that provide intermixing
of light generating chemicals during flight.
Inventors: |
Ladyjensky; Jacques; (St.
Stevens, BE) ; Longo; Joseph Cosimo; (Feed Hills,
MA) ; Cranor; Earl; (Longmeadow, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Family ID: |
44629527 |
Appl. No.: |
12/839941 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12526274 |
Mar 2, 2010 |
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PCT/EP2008/050599 |
Feb 8, 2008 |
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12839941 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/513 ;
102/517 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/513 ;
102/517 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/40 20060101
F42B012/40; F42B 12/42 20060101 F42B012/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2007 |
BE |
BE-2007/0051 |
Claims
1. A light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
comprising: a projectile body having a first end, a second end,
side walls, and an interior portion therein; chemiluminescent
reactant components; a base plate constructed to sealingly engage
said projectile body adjacent said second end; and at least one
chemiluminescent reaction activator element releasably attached to
said base plate, wherein impact of said projectile with a target
produces a force sufficient to release said chemiluminescent
reaction activator element, said release of said chemiluminescent
reaction activator element resulting in the intermixing of said
chemiluminescent reactant components and the generation of
light.
2. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 1 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components are housed within at least one frangible container.
3. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said at least
one frangible container is secured by a holding element.
4. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 3 wherein said holding element further includes
a longitudinally extending inner channel.
5. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 4 wherein a portion of said at least one ampoule
is exposed to said inner channel.
6. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 5 wherein said chemiluminescent reaction
activator element is constructed and arranged to move within said
inner channel.
7. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 further including filler material, marking
material, or combinations thereof.
8. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 7 further including at least one membrane
separating said holding element and said filler material, marking
material, or combinations thereof.
9. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said projectile is frangible.
10. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said projectile is non-frangible.
11. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce visible light.
12. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce infrared light.
13. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce ultraviolet light.
14. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 wherein said projectile is made from
biodegradable material.
15. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 6 further containing one or more apertures for
expulsion of said intermixed chemiluminescent components to a
target area.
16. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 1 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components are housed within at least one chamber separated by at
least one or more membranes.
17. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 16 wherein said side walls contain a first
member adjoining a second member.
18. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 16 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce visible light.
19. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 16 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce infrared light.
20. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact
according to claim 16 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant
components produce ultraviolet light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/526,274, which is a national stage filing
in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of PCT/EP2008/050599, filed
Feb. 8, 2008, which claims the benefit of the priority of Belgium
Patent Application No. 2007/0051, filed Feb. 8, 2007, the contents
of each are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to light emitting projectiles for
marking an impact area, more particularly to a long range,
long-flight time chemiluminescent projectile used for tactical and
training exercises by military and law enforcement personnel which
prevents light production resulting from forces associated with
firing of the weapon, thereby retaining the amount of chemical
light generated to occur as the projectile impacts the target area
and releases its contents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Military and law enforcement personnel worldwide employ a
variety of projectile launching weapons, both direct-fire and
ballistic in nature. Payloads include lethal and non lethal
explosive charges, chemical agents such as tear gas, smoke, and
combinations of elements to illuminate an area or target for remote
reconnaissance. In addition, in the training of military and law
enforcement personnel, a need exists for detecting the accuracy and
effectiveness of the trainee's ability to strike an intended target
in daylight or darkness. This is important not only for personnel
training, but also to determine the effectiveness of various
equipment systems, and as a means of calibrating such systems.
Training with explosive or pyrotechnic devices presents inherent
health and safety hazards to the training personnel, such as in the
case where a pyrotechnic charge fails to perform as required,
resulting in unexploded ordinance.
[0004] Various devices are currently employed for marking the
destination of projectiles. Many such devices utilize pyrotechnics
which produce a flash of light and smoke to indicate the projectile
impact site. One such device employs titanium tetrachloride which
produces a cloud of smoke when it reacts with the moisture in the
air on impact. A second such device is a red phosphorus bearing
projectile which emits a flash of light upon impact. These devices,
however, have inherent problems. Devices utilizing titanium
tetrachloride, are ineffective for night time detection as they
only emit smoke. Devices utilizing phosphorus generate light and
can be seen during day or night time. However, light production is
a result of burning, resulting in fire hazard potential for any
materials, such as trees, shrubs, or grasses, that my contact the
burning phosphorus.
[0005] Chemiluminescent lighting devices have been used as an
alternative to devices utilizing pyrotechnics. Chemiluminescent
systems provide light by the use of a chemical reaction not
dependent upon any electrical power or batteries. The long storage
life and the excellent quality of light produced from current
chemiluminescent systems have made the product a mainstay in the
industry for emergencies. Projectiles utilizing chemiluminescent
systems have an advantage in that they do not utilize pyrotechnics,
and therefore are not a source of ignition for objects which come
into contact with the chemicals. They are also useful in day and
night detection and can produce both visible and non-visible
light.
[0006] Chemiluminescent light production generally utilizes a
two-component system to chemically generate light. Light is
produced by combining the two components, which are usually in the
form of chemical solutions referred to as the "oxalate" component
and the "activator" component. The two components are kept
physically separate by a sealed, frangible, glass vial containing
one component which is housed within an outer flexible container
containing the other component. Typically, this outer container is
sealed to contain both the second component and the filled,
frangible vial. Forces created by intimate contact with the
internal vial, e.g. by flexing, cause the vial to rupture, thereby
releasing the first component, allowing the first and second
components to mix and produce light. Since the objective of this
type of device is to produce usable light output, the outer vessel
is usually composed of a clear or translucent material, such as
polyethylene or polypropylene, which permits the light produced by
the chemiluminescent system to be transmitted through the vessel
walls. These devices may be designed so as to transmit a variety of
colors by either the addition of a dye or fluorescent compound to
one or both of the chemiluminescent reactant compositions or to the
vessel. Furthermore, the device may be modified so as to only
transmit light from particularly chosen portions thereof.
[0007] Chemiluminescent projectiles are currently used by the
military to provide tracking and marking capabilities, thus
eliminating training with explosive or pyrotechnic devices which
present inherent health and safety hazards to the training
personnel. In many cases, however, military forces training on
gunnery accuracy in larger calibers (40 mm to 155 mm) often desire
to train with non-explosive chemiluminescent ammunition. Typical
chemical light reactions initiate with a bright burst of light that
quickly diminishes and then asymptotically approaches zero.
Approximately 80% of the available light is emitted within the
first 20% of the total glow duration. When training for accuracy, a
brief, bright burst of light is desired that rapidly extinguishes
so that the impact of subsequent rounds can be accurately
determined. Chemical light training munitions have their formulas
catalyzed such that the entire reaction occurs in approximately one
minute. In larger, long range calibers, chemiluminescent munitions
that produce light upon the firing of the weapon, in combination
with the long flight times, can result in a majority of the
chemical light reaction occurring before the munition impacts the
target area and releases its signal.
PRIOR ART
[0008] The production of devices capable of emitting light through
chemical means is well-known in the art. Lightsticks, for example,
are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,539,794, while other configurations
have also been the subject of many U.S. patents, e.g. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,749,620; 3,808,414; 3,893,938; 4,635,166; 4,814,949 and
5,121,302, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
[0009] Various chemiluminescent and non-chemiluminescent
projectiles have been developed which provide marking and tracking
capabilities. U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,605 discloses a chemiluminescent
lighting apparatus for generating an illuminated marker material
for delivery to a desired area. Two fluids to be mixed are
contained in separate chambers and are separated from a mixing
chamber by means of frangible disc-shaped members. A hollow gas
generator expels gas when a squib fractures one of its walls. The
force of the escaping gas exerts pressure on the two fluids
sufficient to fracture the frangible disc members allowing mixing
action in the mixing chamber. The mixed fluid chemically reacts to
produce light and flows from the mixing chamber to a light
transmittable material where it is stored to provide an illuminated
area.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,817 discloses a spotting projectile
having an interior cylinder receiving a piston in gas-sealing
slideable relation so that gas trapped in the cylinder is
compressed by forward inertial movement of the piston when the
projectile impacts. The compressed gas ejects a powder charge
carried by the piston rearwardly from the projectile to form a
visible cloud.
[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,640,193 and 4,682,544 teach a container
adapted for insertion into a device wherein the container has
fitted into its hollow interior the components required to form
therein and eject therefrom, upon impact and detonation, a
chemiluminescent light emitting material, inclusive of a reactive
enhancer.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,672 discloses an impact actuated
nonlethal hand grenade having a flexible, resilient casing
containing a pressurized marking fluid. The casing has an opening
and a ball received within the opening, whereby, when the hand
grenade is thrown, the subsequent impact of the grenade with an
object and the resulting hydrostatic shock through the fluid within
the grenade will dislodge the ball from the opening allowing the
discharge of fluid from the opening and onto surrounding
objects.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,521 discloses a war game marking grenade
with a piercing mechanism to pierce an enclosed gas cylinder. The
gas from the cylinder is directed into channels and impels gelatin
enclosing fluid marking spheres exteriorly of the grenade for
marking purposes.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,449 discloses a paint dispersing
training grenade that includes a grenade body having dispersing
passages, a plug received in one end of the bore, a piston
resiliently urged by a spring toward the plug, a rupturable
colorant containing capsule positioned between the piston and the
plug, a separable release lever, and an inertial delay mechanism
engaged between the grenade body and the piston. The delay
mechanism includes pivotable delay levers engaged with the piston
at one end and having wheels rollably engaging a surface of the
grenade body at another end. When the release lever is separated,
movement of the piston by the spring is resisted by startup inertia
of the wheels in rotating. When the inertia is overcome, the piston
forcibly ruptures the capsule and propels the colorant out of the
grenade body through the dispersion passages.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,540 teaches a luminescent paintball
which comprises a double chamber projectile capsule that contains
two chemical agents which, when mixed together on impact, provide a
chemically luminescent spot for marking at night. The chambers are
provided with a double barrier which assures necessary shelf life
and complete separation of the active ingredients.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,183 discloses a two-piece polymer
projectile consisting of an aero dynamically shaped, thin-shelled,
frangible cap, adapted to be filled with a flowable substance for
marking upon impact, the fluid sealed within the projectile by a
rear plug. The rear plug is relatively rigid in order to contain
the expansive effect of propellant gases; a recessed compartment in
the rear plug contributes to creating a forward centre of gravity
for the projectile; the barrel rifling is engaged by the projectile
in the region of the rear plug only, whereby positive engagement
with the barrel rifling imparts spin without bursting the cap
portion of the projectile; an indentation region on the nose of the
cap facilitates flexing of the score lines for rapid and efficient
bursting of the cap on impact.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,936 discloses an inert training grenade
intended to be fired by a rifle and a propellant cartridge,
comprising a metal tube and with a front solid part which closes
off the tube. This front part carries a hollow nose containing a
marking substance. The nose is sufficiently resistant to withstand
the shot, but is destructible on impact.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,886 discloses a reusable, mechanically
powered Paint Ball Grenade utilizing 0.68 or smaller diameter paint
balls. Once thrown downrange the actuator will function upon impact
allowing the grenade halves to collapse with the force of the
primary spring, crushing the paint balls against cutters and
causing the paint to be hydro mechanically dispersed about the
exterior of the device.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,211 discloses a practice ammunition
projectile comprises a head which bursts when the projectile
strikes a target and contains a marking agent which optically
indicates the point of impact after the head has burst. The marking
agent consists of several chemical components which are each
contained in separately breakable compartments within a burstable
hood at the head of the projectile.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,993 discloses a chemiluminescent
tracer/marker munition design where the projectiles are activated
upon launch and travel either independently from the gun (e.g.
scatter pattern) or are dispersed after a containment housing opens
after firing.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,905 discloses a non-lethal
chemiluminescent marking projectile that provides site
identification capability of a target upon impact. The projectile
contains a breakable container system and a foam filler. The
container system breaks on a setback impact that is exerted during
firing and initial launch, causing the chemiluminescent reagents to
mix and be absorbed into the foam filler, such that upon impact of
the projectile with the target, the foam filler marks the target
with the mixed chemiluminescent reagents diffused therein.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,438 discloses a flameless tracer/marker
consisting of a hollow frangible projectile containing bags or
ampoules containing the reagents required for the desired target
effect are ruptured by the force of impact upon the target,
allowing said reagents to intermix and disperse whence the
projectile shatters on impact.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. RE 40,482 discloses chemiluminescent training
munitions that activate or break the chemiluminescent material
containing frangible containers upon setback or firing of the
munition.
[0024] While each of the cited prior art references describe
marking projectiles, these projectiles have proven less effective
for providing a training projectiles that 1) does not utilize
pyrotechnic or other stored energy mechanisms, 2) that remotely
deploys light of an adherent nature capable of adhering to and
moving with a target 3) deploys visible/non-visible light with
limited in flight detection, and 4)prevents firing forces from
mixing chemiluminescent materials, thereby reducing the loss of the
most intense portion of light production which occurs early in the
reaction cycle.
[0025] Therefore, what is needed is a training projectile that
safely provides day and night visibility which is initiated upon
impact with a target. While the projectile may be used for short
range, a need exits for a long range, long-flight time projectile
that prevents light production resulting from set-back or firing
forces, thus providing the majority of the chemical light reaction
to occur as the munition impacts the target area and releases its
signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention relates to a non-pyrotechnic,
self-illuminating projectile useful for marking, target
illumination, or targeting adjustment which produces
chemiluminescent light upon impact with an object. Because the
production of light is delayed until impact, the projectile is not
visualized until impact and the intensity of light upon impact is
greater than those projectiles that provide intermixing of light
generating chemicals upon a firing force or during flight.
[0027] The term "chemiluminescent reactant components" as used
herein is interpreted to mean a mixture of components, such as the
oxalate or activator, or individual components, such as oxalic acid
ester, and a fluorescer, which when intermixed produces a
chemiluminescent reaction. While the two component system typically
requires the "oxalate" component and the "activator" component to
be separated, separation may occur within a single frangible
container or using several frangible containers containing various
reactants. In either case, rupture of the containers causes
intermixing and results in light production.
[0028] In a particular embodiment, the light emitting projectile
for marking a target upon impact comprises a projectile body having
a first end, a second end, a plurality of side walls, a base plate,
and an interior portion therein. The inner portion includes
chemiluminescent reactant components contained within a plurality
of frangible containers which are exemplified as, albeit not
limited to, a form of ampoules. At least one chemiluminescent
reaction activator element is releasably attached to the base
plate. Impact of the projectile with a target produces sufficient
force to release the chemiluminescent reaction activator element
within an inner channel. As the chemiluminescent reaction activator
element moves within the inner channel, it contacts the ampoules.
Contact of the ampoules results in releasing and intermixing of the
chemiluminescent reactant components, resulting in the generation
of light.
[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the light emitting projectile
for marking a target upon impact comprises a projectile body having
a first end, a second end, a plurality of side walls, a base plate,
and an interior portion therein. The inner portion includes
chemiluminescent reactant components contained within one or more
chambers separated by membranes. At least one chemiluminescent
reaction activator element is releasably attached to the base
plate. Impact of the projectile with a target produces sufficient
force to release the chemiluminescent reaction activator element
from the base plate. Chemiluminescent light is produced by
penetration of the membranes by the chemiluminescent reaction
activator element, which results in intermixing of the
chemiluminescent reactant components
[0030] A unique aspect of the instant invention therefore, is the
use of an inertial mass, such as a chemiluminescent reaction
activator element which is secured in such a fashion so as to be
released only upon final impact of the device resulting from
failure of the securing structure or mechanism. Release of
chemiluminescent reaction activator element controllably ruptures
the ampoules or membranes containing chemiluminescent reagents,
causing the intermixing of the chemiluminescent reagents and the
production of light. The effect of this type of design results in
the initiation of the chemiluminescent light production being
delayed until impact. The advantage of such a projectile is in
providing a projectile that can not be visualized until impact and
provides intense light production at the point of impact as
compared to diminished light intensity during flight time as is the
case with setback force activated devices.
[0031] The instant invention allows illumination to occur either
entirely within the confines of the projectile or to be dispersed
upon impact. By eliminating any pyrotechnics from the projectile,
the likelihood of collateral damage or indirect injury is virtually
eliminated. By delaying the intermixing of the chemiluminescent
reagents until impact, the projectile allows use of highly
catalyzed reactions with relatively short durations and prevents
the most intense portion of the reaction cycle from being wasted
during flight. By providing for the use of non-visible
chemiluminescent reagents with or without additional marking
materials, the instant invention lends itself to stealthy tactical
or training applications.
[0032] A further advantage of using a secured inertial mass design
in contrast to a free moving inertial mass design is that the
projectile can readily withstand routine testing, such as drop
tests, typically applicable to munitions. Impulse forces realized
during such testing can be readily calculated and the strength of
the securing force required can be derived. In this manner the
minimum strength required to survive such tests may be calculated
and used in the construction of a final product having securing
forces conveniently above those of the test requirements while
simultaneously well below those encountered in actual deployment.
In this way, one skilled in the art with comprehensive knowledge of
material properties could tailor the secured mass design to
optimally suite numerous projectile applications functioning over a
wide range of velocities and impact forces.
[0033] Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant
invention to provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides a
mechanism for controlling light activation until impact upon a
target.
[0034] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which utilizes a secured,
releasable inertial mass for controlling light activation until
impact upon a target.
[0035] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides illumination
to occur within the projectile.
[0036] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides dispersal of
illumination upon impact with a target.
[0037] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
a chemiluminescent projectile which reduces the likelihood of
collateral damage or indirect injury by eliminating the use of
pyrotechnics.
[0038] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides delayed
intermixing of chemiluminescent reactant components until
impact.
[0039] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides for use of
highly catalyzed reactions with relatively short durations.
[0040] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
a long range, long-flight time chemiluminescent projectile which
prevents light production resulting from set-back or firing forces,
thus providing the majority of the chemical light reaction to occur
as the projectile impacts the target area and releases its
contents.
[0041] It is a further objective the invention to provide a
chemiluminescent projectile which prevents firing forces from
mixing chemiluminescent materials, thereby reducing the loss of the
most intense portion of light production which occurs early in the
reaction cycle.
[0042] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides stealthy
tactical and training applications.
[0043] It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
chemiluminescent projectile which produces light visible to the
human eye.
[0044] Another objective of this invention is to provide a
chemiluminescent projectile which produces infrared or ultraviolet
light.
[0045] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate.
various objectives and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chemiluminescent
projectile.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescent
projectile taken along line A of FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 3 depicts is a cross-sectional view of the
chemiluminescent projectile taken along line B of FIG. 1A.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
chemiluminescent projectile illustrating use of pins for securing
the chemiluminescent reactant activator element.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
chemiluminescent projectile illustrating use of threading for
securing the chemiluminescent reactant activator element.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
chemiluminescent projectile illustrating use of magnets for
securing the chemiluminescent reactant activator element.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
chemiluminescent projectile prior to impact with a target.
[0053] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate various connecting methods for
connection of membranes to the chemiluminescent projectile
projectile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, illustrated is a projectile 1 having
a first leading end 2, referring generally to the end that makes
contact with a target, and a second trailing end 3. The body of
projectile 1 is further defined by side walls 4 and 5. A base plate
6 sealingly engages the projectile body adjacent to the second end
3, thus forming an inner portion 7. Although the figure illustrates
a generally cylindrical shape body having a rounded front end, any
shape is within the scope of the invention. Located within inner
portion 7 is a plurality of ampoules 8 made of rupturable
materials, such as glass or plastic, and which contain
chemiluminescent reactant components.
[0055] Typical chemical light systems employ various
chemiluminescent reactant components, including an oxalate ester,
hydrogen peroxide, a fluorescer, and a catalyst. In its most basic
form the two-component, liquid phase oxalate ester chemical light
system must comprise an "oxalate component" comprising an oxalic
acid ester and a solvent, and a "peroxide component" comprising
hydrogen peroxide and a solvent or mixture of solvents. In
addition, an efficient fluorescer must be contained in one of the
components. An efficient catalyst, necessary for maximizing
intensity and lifetime control, may be contained in one of the
components. In typical use, the chemiluminescent reactant
components are divided until time of use by placing the oxalate
ester and dye in one solution and hydrogen peroxide and catalyst in
a second solution. To generate light, the two solutions are
intermixed. The instant invention takes advantage of this system by
placement of chemiluminescent reactant components, or combinations
thereof, within the plurality of ampoules 8 to produce light in
various spectrums, including visible light at different
wavelengths, infrared light, and ultraviolet light.
[0056] Oxalates useful in the present invention include but are not
limited to bis(2,4,5-trichloro-6-carbopentoxyphenyl) xalate;
bis(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate;
bis(2,4,5-tribromo-6-carbohexoxyphenyl)oxalate;
bis(2-nitrophenyl)oxalate; bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl) oxalate; bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)
oxalate; bis(3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(1,2-dimethyl-4,6-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(2,4-dichlorophenyl)oxalate; bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(2,5-dinitrophenyl)oxalate; bis(2-formyl-4-nitrophenyl)oxalate;
bis(pentachlorophenyl)oxalate;
bis(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-1-pyridyl)glyoxal;
bis(2,4-dinitro-6-methylphenyl)oxalate; and bis-N-phthalimidyl
oxalate.
[0057] Oxalate solvents useful in the present invention include,
but are not limited to a propylene glycol dialkyl ether containing
one to three propylene moieties and each alkyl group is
independently a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group
containing up to 8 carbon atoms. Especially preferred first
solvents are propylene glycol dialkyl ethers containing two
propylene moieties such as dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether,
dipropylene glycol diethyl ether and dipropylene glycol di-t-butyl
ether. The particularly preferred first solvent comprises
dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dibutyl phthalate, butyl
benzoate, propylene glycol dibenzoate, and ethyl-hexyl diphenyl
phosphate.
[0058] Peroxides useful in the present invention include but are
not limited to hydrogen peroxide; sodium peroxide; sodium
perborate; sodium pyrophosphate peroxide; urea peroxide;
[0059] histidine peroxide; t-butyl-hydroperoxide; and peroxybenzoic
acid.
[0060] Activator solvents useful in the present invention include,
but are not limited, to dimethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, and
ethylene glycol dibenzoate.
[0061] Fluorescers useful in the present invention include but are
not limited to 1-methoxy-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene,
perylene, rubrene, 16,17-didecycloxyviolanthrone,
2-ethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;2-chloro-9,10-bis(4-ethoxypheny-
l)anthracene;2-chloro-9,10-bis(4 methoxyphenyl)
anthracene;9,10-bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene;
1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;1,8-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylet-
hynyl)anthracene;1,5-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;2,3-dichlo-
ro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene; 5,12-bis(phenylethynyl)
tetracene;9,10-diphenylanthracene;1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N'-bis(2,6-diis-
opropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylene dicarboximide;
1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N'-bis(2,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylene
dicarboximide;1,7-di-chloro-6,12-diphenoxy-N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl-
)-3,4,9,10-perylene dicarboximide;
1,6,7,12-tetra(p-bromophenoxy)-N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-p-
erylene
dicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N'-di-neopentyl-3,4,9,10-per-
ylene
dicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-t-butylphenoxy)N,N'-di-neopentyl-3,4,-
9,10-perylene dicarboximide;
1,6,7,12-tetra(o-chlorophenoxy)-N,W-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-p-
erylene
dicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-chlorophenoxy)-N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopr-
opylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylene dicarboximide;
1,6,7,12-tetra(o-fluorophenoxy)-N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10--
perylene
dicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-fluorophenoxy)-N,N'bis(2,6-diisopr-
opylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylene dicarboximide;
1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N'-diethyl-3,4,9,10-perylene
dicarboximide;1,7-dibromo-6,12-diphenoxy-N,N'-bis(2-isopropylphenyl)-3,4,-
9,10-perylene dicarboximide;16,17-dihexyloxyviolanthrone; rubrene;
and 1,4-dimethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene.
[0062] Catalysts useful in the present invention include but are
not limited to sodium salicylate; sodium-5-fluorosalicylate;
sodium-5-chlorosalicylate; sodium-5-bromosalicylate; sodium
trifluoroacetate; potassium salicylate; potassium
pentachlorophenolate; lithium salicylate;
lithium-3-chlorosalicylate; lithium-5-chlorosalicylate;
lithium-3,5-dichlorosalicylate; lithium-3,5,6-trichlorosalicylate;
lithium-2-chlorobenzoate; lithium-5-t-butylsalicylate; lithium
trifluoroacetate; rubidium acetate; tetrabutylammonium salicylate;
tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoborate; tetraethylammonium benzoate;
tetrabutylammonium benzoate; tetrabutylammonium
hexafluorophosphate; tetraethylammonium perchlorate;
tetrabutylammonium perchlorate; tetraoctylammonium perchlorate;
tetrabutylammonium-2,3,5-trichlorobenzoate; tetramethylammonium
trifluoroacetate; magnesium salicylate;
magnesium-5-t-butyl-salicylate; magnesium-3-chlorosalicylate;
magnesium-3,5-dichloro-salicylate; and
magnesium-3,5,6-trichlorosalicylate.
[0063] Ampoules 8 are supported by and orientated within the inner
portion by a holding element. In a preferred embodiment, ampoules 8
are orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 or the
direction of travel of projectile 1. Holding element 9 is molded
from any suitable material such as but not limited to metals,
plastics, or foam materials including but not limited to
cross-linked polyethylene foams, polyester polyurethane foams,
polyether polyurethane foams, ether-like-ester foams, coated
polyurethane foams designed to prevent moisture, oils, or other
reagents from penetrating the foam, expanded polystyrene foams, or
other foams made of plastics, metals, ceramics, elastomers and
rubber materials, thermoplastic, thermoset, or the like. To support
ampoules 8, holding element 9 has one or a plurality of openings
which engage, hold, and secure at least a portion of each of the
ampoules 8. Positioned within holding element 9 is a longitudinally
extending inner channel 10 which provides a passage way for at
least one chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11. At least
a portion of each of the ampoules is exposed to the inner channel
10.
[0064] Chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 has a body
portion 12 and a triangularly shaped front portion 13 having a
blunt end (see for example FIG. 2) or a sharp, pointed end (see for
example FIG. 7). In the non-impacted state, body portion 12
attaches to base plate 6. In this manner, front portion 13 of
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 is directed toward
front portion 2 of projectile 1. Chemiluminescent reaction
activator element 11 is secured to base plate 6 by various
mechanical and/or physical mechanisms known to one of skill in the
art. For example, chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11
can be designed as an integral part of the base plate or can be
interconnected by frictional forces or press fitting. FIG. 4
illustrates the use of one or more pins which attach to either side
wall 4 or a portion of the holding element. The pin extends into
the chemiluminescent reaction activator element, see pin 14, or
extends through the chemiluminescent reaction activator element,
attaching to side wall 5 or the opposite portion of the holding
element, see pin 15. FIG. 4 illustrates a particular embodiment
utilizing threading. Chemiluminescent reaction activator element
contains threading 16 and is designed to fit into threading
receiving area 17 construed within the holding element. Both the
pins and the threading are designed to dislodge or break apart upon
impact of the projectile to allow release of the chemiluminescent
reaction activator element 11 and movement within the channel 10
upon an impact force. FIG. 5 illustrates the use of magnetic
bonding as a securing mechanism. In this embodiment, magnet 18
and/or 19 is positioned near the chemiluminescent reaction
activator element 11. To aid in the magnetic bonding,
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 is made of, or
coated with, a magnetic material. Additional embodiments include
the use of magnets or magnetic materials within the base plate as
well. Finally, an alternative securing method includes the use of
adhesives placed on the chemiluminescent reaction activator element
11, base plate 6, or combinations thereof. The strength of the
bonding is designed such that impact forces results in release of
the chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11.
[0065] In practice, projectile 1 is utilized as large or small
caliber munitions or as a component of a bullet cartridge
containing the projectile, in various large or small calibers, a
propellant, i.e. gunpowder, and a primer. Either the individual
projectiles or the bullet cartridge can then be loaded into a
weapon, and fired. In use, as the projectile is fired from the
weapon and subject to the initial firing force, chemiluminescent
reaction activator element 11 remains connected to base plate 6.
Because chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 remains
connected, the contents of ampoules 8 do not intermix and the
projectile cannot produce chemiluminescent light upon either firing
or during flight. However, as the projectile travels along a
trajectory and contacts a target, the force of impact releases
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 from base plate 6,
causing chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 to move
within inner channel 10 in a direction towards the direction of
travel, i.e. towards first end 2. As chemiluminescent reaction
activator element 11 moves, the front portion 13 of the
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 contacts ampoules 8
which causes rupture of the ampoules. As the ampoules rupture, the
contents contained within are released, causing intermixing of the
chemiluminescent reactant components and light production. Since
the object of this type of device is to produce usable light
output, the projectile is usually composed of a clear or
translucent material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which
permits the light produced by the chemiluminescent system to be
transmitted through the projectile walls. Additionally, the
projectile may be constructed of materials which are biodegradable
and/or inert.
[0066] The effect of this type of design results in the initiation
of the chemiluminescent light production being delayed until
impact. While the projectile cannot be visualized until impact, the
design of the projectile provides intense light production at the
point of impact as compared to diminished light intensity for those
projectiles in which light is produced during flight time as seen
with setback force activated devices.
[0067] In addition to the chemiluminescent components, marker
material 22, such as fluorescent marker powder, dyes including but
not limited to water soluble dyes such as Brown HT; Quinoline
Yellow; Indigo Carmine; Brilliant Blue FCF; Ponceau 4R; Sunset
Yellow; Indigotine; Fast Green FCF; Alura Red AC, and inert filler
23, such as but not limited to marble dust (calcium carbonate),
granulated or powdered PVC resin with or without additional dyes,
glass beads, sand, plastic resin pellets, or the like, are
contained within the inner portion 7. The marker material and/or
filler materials can be separated from the holding element 9 and
compartmentalized within the inner portion by use of one or more
membranes, 20 and 21, which form one or more chambers 24 and
25.
[0068] Depending on the construction of the projectile,
illumination can occur entirely within the confines of the device
or can be dispersed upon impact. If the device is made of
non-frangible materials, light production can be maintained within
the device. In addition, the projectile can be constructed such
that any light produced can be visualized over the entire
projectile or limited to a portion of the projectile body. For
example, light production can be limited to a defined portion by
utilizing one or more membranes, 20 and 21 which separate holding
element 9 from the rest of the inner portion of the projectile,
thus creating separate compartments. Membrane 20 can be constructed
of a material that is not punctured or penetrated by the
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 as it is released
from the base plate, thereby limiting any chemiluminescent light
produced to that area. In an alternative embodiment, the holding
element may be made of a permeable material that absorbs the
liquids released from the ampoules, thus trapping them to a
confined area.
[0069] The inner portion of the projectile may also be filled with
optional marking dye 22, inert filler 23 capable of absorbing the
chemiluminescent reagents and further contributing the overall mass
of the projectile, or a mix of filler and marker dye. Dispersement
of the projectile contents to a target may be accomplished by
constructing the projectile from a fungible material. As the
projectile impacts a target, the frangible materials fail,
resulting in release of the projectile's contents. Apertures 27
within the side walls or other parts of the projectile provide an
alternative method of providing dispersement of chemiluminescent
light to a target. Moreover, as chemiluminescent reaction activator
element 11 is released and travels through the inner channel, it
can act as a piston to disperse the chemiluminescent reactant
components through such apertures.
[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative illustrative embodiment of
the chemiluminescent projectile. Similar to the previous
embodiments, projectile 201 includes a first leading end 202, a
second trailing end 203, and side walls 204 and 205. A base plate
206 sealingly engages the projectile body adjacent to the second
end 203, thus forming an inner portion 207. Inner portion 207
contains chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211 which
attaches to base plate 206. Side walls 204 and 205 may be
continuous or, as illustrated, designed as multicomponents having a
first member portion 208 adjoining a second member portion 209.
Interconnection of first member portion 208 and a second member
portion 209 may be accomplished by various mechanisms known to one
of skill in the art, such as by press-fitting or use of threading.
Chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211 is prevented from
rearward and/or lateral movements movement by attachment to base
206, and optionally use of a membrane or shield 212, or other
mechanisms, i.e. pins, magnets, as described previously. The second
member portion 209 may contain marker dye 213, inert filler 214, or
some combination of the two materials. First member portion 208 is
further divided by one or more rupturable membranes 215, 216, and
217 that form inner compartment 218 and 219. Compartments 218 and
219 contain the chemiluminescent reactant components.
[0071] Membranes may be comprised of any suitable materials, such
as aluminum foil or polyethylene and can be attached to the
projectile by coating with a heat-sealable polymer varnish intended
to adhere through application of heat to the body of the
projectile. The heat-sealable polymer varnish is preferably
non-reactive with any of the chemiluminescent components and will
not affect the production of light if contacted with the
chemiluminescent components. FIGS. 8A-8E represents illustrative
embodiments of membrane attachment methods. One or more of
membranes 215, 216, or 217 can be attached to the projectile via
heat sealing directly to shoulders 220 formed within the side walls
204 and 205, see FIG. 8A, to a cylindrical element 221 with
shoulders 222, see FIG. 8B, or without shoulders 222, see FIG. 8C,
or through use of sealing lips or flanges 223 molded into the
projectile body, see FIG. 8D. FIG. 8E illustrates sealing of
membrane 215 directly into the side walls 204 and 205.
[0072] Upon impact with the target, chemiluminescent reaction
activator element 211 is released from the base plate 206,
resulting in motion toward first leading end 202. Chemiluminescent
reaction activator element 211 is made of a material strong enough
to puncture the membranes, thus allowing intermixing of the
chemiluminescent reactant components, marker materials, inert
filler, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the
chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211 may be adjusted for
different desired functionality. For example, a larger diameter
chemiluminescent reaction activator element could act as a piston
and forcibly move the chemiluminescent reagent mixture forward
where it could then be expelled through one or a more apertures
(not illustrated) located within the perimeter of the
projectile.
[0073] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and drawings/figures.
[0074] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *