Patents Assigned to Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
  • Patent number: 7197981
    Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes off the casing at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source, brought into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made of a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmüller
  • Publication number: 20070017404
    Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes off the casing at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source, brought into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made of a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmueller
  • Patent number: 7044045
    Abstract: A method for programming the shattering of projectiles (G) and a weapon (12) with a programming system (14, 16, 18). The projectiles are intended to destroy a target (Z) at which they are fired along heavily curved trajectories and are detonated at shattering points near the target. The longitudinal distance (xZ) of the target from the weapon is measured and the elevation (?) is adjusted for which a known muzzle velocity (v0(0)) and a longitudinal distance of the shattering point at a predetermined optimal height (y*) are taken into consideration. The actual muzzle velocity (v0(eff)) is determined and a calculation for the programming is carried out in which the actual muzzle velocity is taken into account and the optimal height of the shattering point is held constant. The corresponding programming is transmitted to the projectiles. The weapon has an associated programming system for correspondingly programming the projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Peter Ettmüller, Klaus Münzel
  • Publication number: 20060054047
    Abstract: It is proposed to combine the cascade effect of frangible pellets with sub-projectiles made of ductile heavy metal, that is, to produce a munition in which the advantages of for example frangible pellets of a central penetrator are combined with the advantages of the ductile heavy metal in an external penetrator\whereby an improved performance on various targets is achieved along with deeper impact speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Publication number: 20050126380
    Abstract: A method for programming the shattering of projectiles (G) and a weapon (12) with a programming system (14, 16, 18). The projectiles are intended to destroy a target (Z) at which they are fired along heavily curved trajectories and are detonated at shattering points near the target. The longitudinal distance (xZ) of the target from the weapon is measured and the elevation (?) is adjusted for which a known muzzle velocity (v0(0)) and a longitudinal distance of the shattering point at a predetermined optimal height (y*) are taken into consideration. The actual muzzle velocity (v0(eff)) is determined and a calculation for the programming is carried out in which the actual muzzle velocity is taken into account and the optimal height of the shattering point is held constant. The corresponding programming is transmitted to the projectiles. The weapon has an associated programming system for correspondingly programming the projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Peter Ettmuller, Klaus Munzel
  • Patent number: 6874402
    Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmueller
  • Patent number: 6672216
    Abstract: A securing and arming device has an operating body. Prior to an arming time, this operating body is secured in a position of rest on a support device, namely by means of a securing element, which here is in a securing position. If the securing element is moved into a release position, it releases the operating body to make a movement in relation to the support device. After the arming time, the trigger body is in an operating position by means of a rotating movement in relation to the support device. A delay element is designed to be driven in the course of the rotating movement of the trigger body and to delay the rotating movement of the trigger body. The trigger body and the delay element are arranged inside each other so that they constitute an outer wheel shaft-free wheel and an inner wheel shaft-free wheel. The two wheels have parallel geometric wheel axes and define a ring-like gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmueller
  • Patent number: 6598536
    Abstract: A sabot projectile (10), comprising a sabot (12) and a shattering penetrator (14) arranged in the sabot (12). The shattering penetrator (14) has a penetrator casing (20), which can be broken into at least two casing portions (22*, 24*) upon impact of the shattering penetrator (14), to which end a predetermined casing breaking area (23*) is respectively arranged between two adjoining casing portions (22*, 24*). A central conduit (30) is arranged in the penetrator casing (20), in which a penetrator core (26) is received, whose core tip element (26.4) projects out of the penetrator casing (20) and constitutes a penetrator tip. The plastic material forming the penetrator core (26) is introduced into the conduit in a flowable state. The penetrator casing (20) is secured against break-up into the casing portions (22*, 24*) by the penetrator core (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 6484115
    Abstract: A method for correcting a pre-programmed time of disaggregation of a spin-stabilized projectile. For this purpose the deviation of the actual muzzle velocity from the theoretical muzzle velocity is taken into consideration. The actual muzzle velocity is determined with the aid of the effects of a magnetic field on the projectile indirectly by means of the actual rotation frequency of the projectile, wherein the actual rotation frequency of the projectile is determined during a time-limited calibration phase directly following the firing of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Pierre H. Freymond, Klaus Muenzel
  • Patent number: 6142054
    Abstract: Device for filling a shell body with a plurality of sub-projectiles including a U-shaped assembly centering device coupled with a cover. A reservoir, formed between the assembly centering device and the cover, includes a slit-like shaped rectangle in cross-section. A flange is fastened in a lower area of the reservoir on the assembly centering device, and a slider for moving with respect to the reservoir includes a width corresponding to a length of the slit-like rectangle. A top portion includes a V-shaped notch extending along a longitudinal direction, and a bottom portion includes a V-shape extending along the longitudinal direction. A perforation, extending coaxially with the slider and provided in the assembly centering device, includes a first part approximately corresponding to an outline of the slider and a second part approximately corresponding to an outer periphery of a layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmuller
  • Patent number: 6119600
    Abstract: By means of this method it is possible to produce projectiles with single- or multi-element projectile bodies of different shapes and sizes simply and in a time-saving way. The jacket (1) of the projectile consists of a projectile tip (3), which is fixedly connected with a projectile casing (2) and has a centering device (5, 9) in its interior, in which the projectile body (6) is guided and maintained. The projectile body (6) is essentially cylindrical or has a diameter which increases toward the rear. The back of the projectile casing (2) is closed by means of a sealing body (15), which partially extends around the projectile body (6). In the course of producing the projectile, the projectile tip (3) is injection-molded to the projectile casing (2) in a first step, and in a second step the projectile body (6) is pushed into the centering device (5, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 6049957
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a shell body with sub-projectiles in a predefined geometric arrangement and in a very short time without creating shifting errors is provided. Prior to filling the shell body, the sub-projectiles may be combined into layers which are as thick as the length of the sub-projectiles and which extend in planes transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shell body. The sub-projectiles take up a position in the layer which corresponds to their geometric arrangement in a hollow chamber of the shell body. During the combination, the outer periphery of the layers may be shaped so that, following insertion of the layer into the hollow chamber, the sub-projectiles may be held there and fixed against relative rotation while maintaining the previously formed geometric arrangement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the layers may assume a hexagonal shape where the axes of the cylindrical sub-projectiles are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmuller
  • Patent number: 5909003
    Abstract: A projectile rotating band (7) is firmly connected, through openings (9) in the projectile casing (2), to a sealing section (10) at the rear of the projectile inside the projectile casing (2). The rotating band (7) is formed together with the sealing section (10) in the course of a single step of the manufacturing process by injecting a synthetic material into the projectile casing (2) through its open back. The band (7) is prevented from twisting off during firing by the unitary construction, and will not abrade the barrel since it is non-metallic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 5902955
    Abstract: A sabot body (4) is completely enclosed by the sabot casing (3) which partly also encloses the rear of the pointed projectile (1). The sabot body (4) has the shape of a one-part or multiple-part hollow body with circumferential grooves (5, 34), and an exterior diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the sabot casing. The sabot optimizes gas sealing, reduces weight, and reduces the risk posed by metal splinters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Rossmann
  • Patent number: 5864086
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmuller
  • Patent number: 5817969
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmuller
  • Patent number: 5787785
    Abstract: In this more cost-effective, less elaborate method, the disintegration time is calculated from a predetermined muzzle velocity and a distance to the target and is transmitted to a receiver coil prior to firing. The receiver coil is connected via a comparator circuit (7) and a decoder (8) with a shift register (9), whose output is connected to a first comparator (6), so that the disintegration time is present on the outputs of the latter. A first counter (1), which is connected with a clock generator (2) and a programmable counter (3), is unblocked or blocked by the start-stop pulses, supplied via the receiver coil, of a muzzle velocity measuring device. The programmable counter (3) forms a clock signal from the number of the clock pulses, added in the first counter (1) during the unblocked time, and of the clock generator frequency, whose frequency is equal to the muzzle velocity and is supplied via a is binary circuit (4) to a second counter (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Klaus Muenzel, Markus Engler
  • Patent number: 5763736
    Abstract: A method for the decomposition of explosive materials into water-soluble products is offered, which can be disposed of in a thermal or biochemical way, which requires only very short reaction times because of the addition of polar, aliphatic, non-saponifiable compounds to a strongly basic, preferably aqueous reaction medium and under temperature control by means of the metered addition of the explosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Eduard Daume
  • Patent number: 5763809
    Abstract: A notching device for fastening a projectile to a cartridge case. The cartridge case may include a shell mouth and a longitudinal axis and the projectile may include an adapter base for insertion into the shell mouth. The adapter base may include at least one circumferential notch inserted into the shell mouth. The notching device may include an elastic ring for exerting a radial compression force on the shell mouth adjacent the at least one circumferential notch to press a portion of the shell mouth into the at least one circumferential notch, and a device for laterally compressing the elastic ring. The lateral compressing device actuating the elastic ring to exert the radial compression force on the shell mouth. The radial compression force may be substantially equal around a circumference of the cartridge case to provide a fluid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Fehrenbach, Kurt Meng, Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 5481980
    Abstract: Jettisonable sabot for a subcaliber projectile. In a jettisonable sabot for a subcaliber projectile, which is fired from a weapon barrel having helical grooves, there is a risk that individual segments of a sabot body, strike the projectile body with their edges during the separation from the projectile body, with these impacts against the projectile body impairing the impact accuracy. In order to avoid these impacts, the parting planes or slots between the individual segments of the sabot body are not arranged radially, as in the past, but rather parallel with radial planes with a specified distance (d) corresponding to at least half of the radius (R) of the projectile body, with the slits between the segments of the sabot jacket preferably being arranged parallel to radial planes with a specified distance (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventors: Walter Engel, Rudolf Rossmann, Anton Ernst