Fuel tank and filler packet for dispersing ballistic shock

Abstract

An improved tank design incorporates a new shock dispersing filler packet insert. This filler packet is formed from a sheet of foil and exhibits in its unformed shape an expanded foil center and an unexpanded denser border. All of the edges of the foil sheet are then folded inwardly and the filler insert is finally rolled and secured to produce a cylindrical packet having a dense core. Once the fuel tank is filled with these packets, the ballistic shock is dissipated by the distributed dense portions within the tank.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 367,467, now abandoned.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates generally to receptacles, such as fuel tanks, used to hold combustible liquid, and further relates to explosion suppression devices for such tanks in the nature of filler elements or filler packets positioned within the tank. More particularly, this invention relates to a new design for such a filler packet which improves its effectiveness in maintaining tank integrity during the impact and subsequent penetration by a ballistic body. [0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0006] It is well known in the prior art that a filler mass insert or packet may be formed from expanded foil mesh and used as an insert within a tank to suppress explosion. This “expanded” ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It is a further objective to present a new thermal insert which serves to dissipate the thermal hot spots and suppress explosion, yet also serves to dissipate the ballistic shockwave accompanying a projectile.

[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an insert packet and its method of manufacture which is both effective and economical.

Problems solved by technology

Although such a padded wall provides limited exterior absorption of the shockwave from a bomb blast, when a tank is struck with a ballistic body, such as a bullet, this shock absorbing padding is easily penetrated.

And in such a case, the ballistic body carries with it into the tank a powerful concentrated shockwave that can ultimately cause the tank to disintegrate.

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