Abstract: Apparatus for initiating the removal or stripping of a round of ammunition rom an ammunition link belt for feeding automatic weapons comprising a cam situated proximate to and rearwardly from the feed means of an automatic weapon, the cam having a surface inclining upwardly in the direction of feed so as to impart a positive forward displacement of the round to disengage the round from a link retention tab prior to the counter recoil stroke of the operating group of the automatic weapon, thereby permitting the operating group to engage the base of the round and move the round into battery with significantly reduced energy requirements.

Abstract: An improved pressure relief valve is provided for giving recoil to blank-ing weapons of the recoil type. This pressure relief valve includes a cap which is fitted to the muzzle of a gun allowing longitudinal movement of the barrel. The cap is provided with an endwall in which a series of circularly arranged holes are provided and it is maintained in a fixed position with respect to the loading end of the weapon by spaced rods which are secured to the cap's flange and anchored at their opposite ends to a barrel jacket of the weapon.Positioned in the muzzle end of the bore of the weapon, and affixed to the endwall of the cap, is the pressure relief valve which is provided with diametrically opposite flats and a fully cylindrical portion sized to allow sliding movement in the bore of the barrel.In operation, when the blank cartridge ignites, the gas expands down the bore of the barrel and is trapped inside the barrel by the valve, forcing the barrel into recoil.

Abstract: A drum cam for reciprocating the operating group of an externally powered apon, wherein hang-fire is prevented by transferring the cam follower to a separate cam path when the group is in in-battery position, and the follower dwells until a chambered round has fired before permitting the operating group to recoil.

Abstract: An easily employed, reliable, rapid response and simple multiple feed sys for selectively feeding various belts of varied types of ammunition through the same gun. A round selector cam pivots the rammer on the bolt carrier to a position for chambering cartridges from the selected belt. A dual feed mechanism advances the cartridges from the selected belt while those from the non-selected belt are held ready but not advanced.

Abstract: A lightweight one man portable automatic gas-operated weapon system for intry use having symmetrical forces applied to recoiling parts by use of two parallel gas pressure actuated rods acting in unison. An integral sprocket feed system is actuated by the recoiling parts and avoids gross asymmetrical force movements about the weapon's center of gravity resulting from shifting ammunition weight. A dual tube receiver and dual gas system is featured in the weapon. Major weapon subassemblies comprising modules are operatively interrelated to facilitate replacement during field use of the weapon.

Abstract: Gas pressure generated during firing of a blank cartridge expands down the ore of a weapon barrel having a pressure relief valve attached to the end thereof and into which the propellant gases are vented to provide barrel recoil and yet prevent residue buildup therein.