Abstract

A layered thermite composite includes alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal deposited upon a substrate. A fuzzy interface layer between each metal oxide layer and reducing metal layer includes reducing metal, reducing metal oxide, and metal oxide at least partially intermixed therein. The fuzzy interface layer forms while moving between chambers in a multi-chamber deposition process which minimizes exposure of the reducing metal to oxygen while moving between chambers. The fuzzy interface layer is not expected to grow in thickness after deposition. The combination of the relative thinness of the fuzzy interface layer as well as the presence of reactants as well as reducing metal oxide maintains the sensitivity of the layered thermit structure to mechanical ignition if the structure is used within a primer.

Abstract

A layered thermite composite includes alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal deposited upon a substrate. A fuzzy interface layer between each metal oxide layer and reducing metal layer includes reducing metal, reducing metal oxide, and metal oxide at least partially intermixed therein. The fuzzy interface layer forms while moving between chambers in a multi-chamber deposition process which minimizes exposure of the reducing metal to oxygen while moving between chambers. The fuzzy interface layer is not expected to grow in thickness after deposition. The combination of the relative thinness of the fuzzy interface layer as well as the presence of reactants as well as reducing metal oxide maintains the sensitivity of the layered thermite structure to mechanical ignition if the structure is used within a primer.

IPC Classes  ?

• F42C 19/08 - PrimersDetonators

Abstract

A fastener gun or nail gun utilizes a propellant cartridge having a centerfire primer made from thermite. The thermite is made from alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal, and includes one or more layers of carbide-containing ceramic. The primer ignites a propellant which may be a conventional single base or double base smokeless powder, or which may be thermite having a structure similar to the thermite of the primer. The primer may be initiated mechanically or electrically. The fastener gun is capable of applying a level of force similar to the force applied by conventional propellant cartridges, while avoiding inhalation of lead particles by the operator of the fastener gun.

IPC Classes  ?

• B25C 1/16 - Cartridges specially adapted for impact toolsCartridge-and-nail units
• C06C 9/00 - Chemical contact ignitersChemical lighters
• F42B 5/16 - Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge or powder

Abstract

A fastener gun or nail gun utilizes a propellant cartridge having a centerfire primer made from thermite. The thermite is made from alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal, and includes one or more layers of carbide-containing ceramic. The primer ignites a propellant which may be a conventional single base or double base smokeless powder, or which may be thermite having a structure similar to the thermite of the primer. The primer may be initiated mechanically or electrically. The fastener gun is capable of applying a level of force similar to the force applied by conventional propellant cartridges, while avoiding inhalation of lead particles by the operator of the fastener gun.

IPC Classes  ?

• B25C 1/16 - Cartridges specially adapted for impact toolsCartridge-and-nail units
• B25C 1/14 - Hand-held nailing toolsNail feeding devices therefor operated by combustion pressure generated by detonation of a cartridge acting on an intermediate plunger or anvil