Cartridges Patents (Class 102/430)
  • Patent number: 6202561
    Abstract: A shotshell comprised of shot pellets of different densities and materials which provide increased effectiveness at both close and long range. Preferably the pellets are disposed in longitudinally stratified layers, with the more dense pellets located rearwardly of the pellets of lesser density. The pellets having the greater density maintain a closer pattern at long range, because they are preferably made of tungsten which has a high density and are located rearwardly, while the pellets having lesser density are preferably made of steel, describe a much wider pattern because of their lower density and forward location, and are therefore most effective at close range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Head, Robert L. Kramer, J. Bruce Warren, David C. Longren
  • Patent number: 6178889
    Abstract: A low impulse telescoping cartridge includes a case, a piston, a projectile, and a link. The projectile is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the projectile and to accelerate the projectile upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the projectile. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provide a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank Dindl
  • Patent number: 6119599
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating surface plasmas, for ignition of propellants. The invention provides a plurality of sheet fuses with insulating sheets separating each fuse. One of the fuses is complete, while the other fuses have a gap. The fuses are sheets formed into concentric coaxial cylinders. The complete fuse forms the outer most cylinder. The fuses sequentially become a plasma starting from the outer most fuse to the inner most fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Johnson, Warren Joseph Dick, Reed Alan McPeak, Chris Sherman Sorenson, Leo Erasmus Thurmond, III
  • Patent number: 6101950
    Abstract: Projectile simulation means serve for an acoustic and/or optical representation of the firing of canons or the like. The projectile simulation means are arranged in a pivotable receiving plate of a firing apparatus. There is a danger that, when pivoting the receiving plate for closing the firing apparatus, the projectile simulation means drop out of the receiving plate.According to the invention, the projectile simulation means are provided with spring tongues (27) which project from the outside of the casing (11) and are pressed together when pushing-in the projectile simulation means into the receiving plate. In this manner, the spring tongues (27) are resiliently preloaded, as a result of which they hold the projectile simulation means in the receiving plate in a hook-lie manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: COMET GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Kothe
  • Patent number: 6095051
    Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge for use in a firearm, the cartridge having a projectile mounted in or on a nose portion thereof; the cartridge interior communicating with the projectile via a gas passage, a valve for controlling propellant gas flow through the gas passage, and a movable member which upon firing is propelled rearwardly from the cartridge against a breech block of the firearm by the pressure of propellant gas within the cartridge so as to recycle the firearm; characterized in that the valve is arranged to close in order to stop or substantially reduce the flow of propellant gas through the said gas passage after the projectile has been fired from the cartridge, thereby to facilitate rearwards propulsion of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 6085630
    Abstract: The construction and arrangement of the projectile bearing surface interfaces rearward and forward of a recessed surface chamber of the projectile interface conjointly with the interfaces of bore wall areas segmented by recessed bore chambers which in conjunction effect the deployment/transport/dispersement/development/modulation and transformation of explosive propellant charges sequentially primed and activated rearward and forwardly of the projectile along the bore and in bore wall chambers captively converting high static gas pressure to expansively relieved dynamic propellant gas pressure directly at the projectile reducing firearm barrel recoil while energizing projectile movement along the bore in a closed-system of thermodynamic propellant energy for free flight purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: John R. Manis
  • Patent number: 6038978
    Abstract: A shotshell having a hull with a protective barrier layer of fiber or other alternate material that prevents the hull from being in contact with the chamber. The protective layer may cover any portion of the exterior of the hull. The protective layer protects the plastic hull from the hot chamber of the barrel that would adversely affect the structural integrity or functioning of the shotshell. The protective material may be of precut size and thickness that when applied to the exterior of the hull will increase the diameter to reduce the clearance with the chamber and thereby resist sliding out of the chamber before the breech is closed. The protective layer may also have an adhesive surface disposed between the exterior surface of the hull and the protective layer to prevent the separation of the hull and the protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Ward Harris, Scott Hayward Mayfield
  • Patent number: 6012394
    Abstract: A casing for a propellant charge for a piece of ammunition comprises a projectile and a stub. The casing comprises a substantially cylindrical envelope and a closing cover. The cylindrical envelope is made of a plastic material and is in the shape of a lattice formed of strands defining openings. The lattice is formed by a repetitive rectangular mesh. The width of the mesh openings is less than a predetermined diameter of a grain of the propellant charge intended to fill the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Regis Aumasson
  • Patent number: 5988070
    Abstract: A plasma injection device in combination with a projectile includes a reusable multi-part propellant case which has a cartridge base and an electrically insulating case body directly attached to the cartridge base. The case body has an interior, a front end and an opposite rearward end. The rearward end of the case body is directly attached to the cartridge base. The case body has an outer surface for engaging an inner surface of a weapon tube whereby the case body constitutes an obturator. An electrode is held in the cartridge base in direct contact therewith. The electrode extends into the electrically insulating material and is exposed to the interior of the case body. The device further includes a plasma-receiving container having a front end and a rearward end; the rearward end is attached to the front end of the case body. The case body and the plasma-receiving container are substantially consecutively disposed end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Krumm, Thomas Weise, Frank Venier, Gunter Stoffler
  • Patent number: 5898124
    Abstract: A plasma injection device (plasma burner) for a projectile has a multi-part propellant case and a plasma-receiving container attached to the propellant case. The multi-part propellant case includes a cartridge base; an electrically insulating case body directly attached to the cartridge base and also constituting an obturator; and an electrode held in and being electrically insulated from the cartridge base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industries AG
    Inventors: Herbert Krumm, Thomas Weise, Frank Venier, Gunter Stoffler
  • Patent number: 5880397
    Abstract: A selectable cartridge is provided consisting of a cartridge head, a dual-bed propellant chamber, a primer, and a tube. The invention enables the user to select a launch velocity prior to chambering the round. A high-velocity projectile is launched by mechanically rotating the base cap and rotation band such that holes along the primer align with the larger of two propellant beds. A low-velocity projectile is launched by rotating the base cap and rotating band a quarter turn from the high-velocity setting such that the holes along the primer align now align with the smaller propellant bed. The invention is suited for use in shotguns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Scientific Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gerard Crilly
  • Patent number: 5834681
    Abstract: A high-low pressure ammunition cartridge includes a case containing a gas expansion chamber and a missile chamber separated from each other by a pressure containment wall containing one or more pressure control ports providing fluid communication between the gas expansion chamber and the missile chamber. The gas expansion chamber is located between the pressure containment wall and a base plate pressed into the back end of the case. The pressure containment wall may either be integral with the case or a separate piece which is removable from the case along with the base plate to facilitate reloading of the cartridge thereby reducing the cost of using the cartridge. The thickness of the base plate may be varied for varying the volume of the gas expansion chamber. Also, the thickness of the gas containment wall and number and size of holes in the gas containment wall may be varied for varying the velocity of the gas entering the missile chamber from the gas expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Defense Technology Corporation of America
    Inventor: David K. DuBay
  • Patent number: 5822904
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for producing subsonic flight of a projectile therefrom at substantially all angles of fire relative to the horizontal, including an elongated, generally cylindrical case including a closed end containing a primer therein, a body portion suitable for the receipt of a quantity of gunpowder therein, and an open end suitable for receiving an elongated projectile therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Cove Corporation
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Patent number: 5801321
    Abstract: Aerial training flare or flare simulator comprising a polymeric case, a begradable polymeric candle housing, and a candle comprising a pyrotechnic illuminant and an environmentally friendly, fast-burning ignition composition. An expulsion cartridge ejects the candle and the candle housing while the case is retained on the launching aircraft. The only major component of the flare which falls to earth is the partially melted candle housing, which is biodegradable and thus reduces requirements for environmental cleanup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald E. LaGrange, Dennis D. Deckard, Douglas A. Schulte
  • Patent number: 5765923
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge for use in fracturing materials, such as rock. The cartridge includes a base member, a body member, a propellant, and a device for sealing a surface of the cartridge to the surface of a hole in the material. Upon ignition of the propellant, gas pressure rapidly rises in the hole due to the sealing device. The gas pressure causes the material to form a penetrating cone fracture. Various cartridge configurations are presented depending upon the specific needs of each application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Sunburst Excavation, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Watson, Paul Michael Krogh
  • Patent number: 5763820
    Abstract: A wrapped gas generant cartridge is incorporated in an inflator of a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas generant cartridge includes a stacked, aligned plurality of substantially flat annular wafers of gas generant material having a central opening therethrough. A wrap of sheet material surrounds the plurality of wafers and has marginal end panels folded along the end surfaces of the plurality of wafers, leaving at least one end opening exposed for receiving an ignition tube of the inflator. The wrap of sheet material is selected from metal foil, expanded metal, cellulose, thermoplastics, including polyolefin shrink wrap, with tape, adhesive or adhesive laminates holding the wrap in position. The gas generant cartridge is received in a filter and screen pack within the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Autiliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Philpot, David W. Lindsey, Scott A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5758446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fire arm industry and more particularly to a system that impresses a bar type code into the lead bullet that has been fired from a gun. The identifying markings are placed on the gun barrel lands with as little visibility as possible but enough to form the code to identify the fired bullet as being from one specific handgun or rifle. The code markings may be placed on the barrel, without effecting its operation in any way. The microscopic identifying code markings are impressed in to the surface of the lands of the gun barrel and when the firearm is fired the force of the firing forms this particular gun's code on the bullet. These identifying code markings may be placed at the intersection of the chamber and the barrel so that when a bulletted cartridge is placed in the chamber and the gun is fired, the code marks are encoded on both the neck of the brass and the lead bullet surface, forming identical codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Richard G. Atchison
  • Patent number: 5710391
    Abstract: Ammunition cartridges are disclosed comprising means for reducing recoil fed to a weapon on discharge of a cartridge. The recoil reducing means comprises non-supportive material between a propellant charge and an end plate of the cartridge in which energy can be absorbed. In a preferred embodiment, the recoil reducing means may comprise one or more toric, air-filled bodies of resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Francis Chetcuti
  • Patent number: 5708231
    Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed for use in a ballistic weapon system. The cartridge includes a tubular case and a ballistic projectile. The projectile has an annular groove which extends into an exterior periphery of the projectile. The tubular case has a cylindrical sidewall and a substantially closed rearward end. The cylindrical sidewall defines an interior cavity for receiving at least a rearward portion of the projectile. An annular lug is integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall and inwardly extends from the sidewall into the annular groove of the projectile, interlocking the projectile and the tubular case. Longitudinal slits are formed in the forward end of the tubular case to allow the case to expand for receipt of the projectile until the annular lug is aligned with and then inserted into the annular groove of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sigma Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Homer Koon
  • Patent number: 5703322
    Abstract: A cartridge for accelerating a projectile includes a light gas pressurized in a sealed container to 5,000-10,000 psi. Upon ignition in the sealed container, a gas mixture having a low or intermediate molecular weight and a high or low energy density is applied as a high sound speed gas to accelerate the projectile to speeds of above about 2.4 km/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Tidman
  • Patent number: 5685100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fire arm industry and more particularly to a system that impresses a bar type code into the brass cartridge casing that has been fired from a gun. The identifying markings are placed on the gun with as little visibility as possible but enough to form the code to identify the fired casing as being from one specific handgun, rifle or shotgun. The code markings may be placed on the bolt, breech and/or the firing pin of any firearm without effecting its operation in any way. The identifying code markings are impressed on the surface of the shell casing when the firearm is fired. These identifying code marks may be placed at the outer rim surface, inside the primer area rim, on the primer its self or in multiple places on the shell casing. The identifying code markings are similar to bar code markings and directly relates the spent casing that has been fired by a firearm, to that firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Richard G. Atchison
  • Patent number: 5677505
    Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston operates by thrusting off the inner end wall of the firearm chamber in which the cartridge is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5650589
    Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant disposed in the case; a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom; and a coating of igniting substance applied to at least one part of the surface of the rear projectile length portion. A clearance defined by a distance between a frontal terminus of the propellant igniter and the rear terminus of the rear length portion of the arrow projectile is such that upon igniting the propellant igniter igniting flames emanating from the propellant igniter bridge the clearance and ignite the coating of igniting substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiesen
  • Patent number: 5612506
    Abstract: A high pressure pulsed gas source for accelerating a projectile along a gun barrel comprises a structure including a high voltage electrode for establishing axial electrical discharges in corresponding axial gaps behind an outlet where the projectile is located. Plasma flows at right angles to the discharges into a propellant mass that is converted into a high pressure component of the gas pulse. The gaps are arranged so that after the projectile moves away from its initial position and is in the barrel, power applied to the plasma via gaps close to the outlet is greater than power applied to the plasma via gaps farther from the outlet. To avoid damage to the gun, the gaps are arranged so power applied to the plasma is substantially the same in the discharges when plasma is initially produced. The gaps include walls that are eroded differently by the discharges so gap walls close to the outlet erode faster than gap walls farther from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeshayahu S. A. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 5610365
    Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant powder disposed in the case, a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; and an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom. At least those grains of the propellant powder which are situated axially beyond the propellant igniter are coated with an igniting substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thiesen
  • Patent number: 5565646
    Abstract: A propellant composition comprising an admixture of a first hydrogen rich material and a second metal material which is capable of reacting exothermically with the first material. The ratio of the first material to the second material is selected such that the exothermic reaction forms a solid phase and a gas phase which contains substantial amounts of hydrogen. Preferably, the first hydrogen rich material comprises a material capable of providing nitrogen upon decomposition thereof, and the second metal material comprises a material capable of reacting exothermically with the nitrogen generated by the decomposition of the first material such that the solid phase comprises a solid nitride of the second metal material.In a preferred embodiment, the first material comprises ammonium azide, and the second material comprises boron, titanium, titanium hydride, or mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventor: Laurence O. Williams
  • Patent number: 5563365
    Abstract: A new joint for use in combustible cartridge case munitions which reduces e risk of combustible cartridge case and case base and seal assembly separation during routine handling and minimizes the problems related to dechambering, comprised of a seal mated to the case base and into the exterior of the combustible cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John J. Dineen, Andrea L. Zivari-Giannoglou
  • Patent number: 5492063
    Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston itself may serve to contain propellant and preferably contains all propellant within the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignees: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc., Les Technologies Industrielles SNC
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5490463
    Abstract: A match performance 0.22 caliber cartridge having improved accuracy provided as a result of being manufactured with an improved base wall construction, and a thinner, less dense, more uniform and more effectively located lubricant coating on the bullet as compared to the 0.22 caliber cartridges utilized heretofore in match competition; and as a result of a lubricant groove which is located most advantageously and is manufactured with an optimum depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Federal-Hoffman, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Lamberty, Shawn F. Callahan, Daniel N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5481978
    Abstract: A cartridge case especially for firing in handguns has a primer receiving pocket provided in the bottom or rear portion as a cylindrical recess, into the top of which at least one flash hole terminates, a primer cap mounted flush in the primer receiving pocket including a cup-shaped capsule having a capsule bottom and a cylindrical side wall, and with a primer charge and an anvil located inside the capsule.To improve gas tightness in the direction of the breech of the gun, especially in the use of pollutant-free primer charges, the primer receiving pocket is provided in the vicinity of a side wall of the capsule with an annular circumferential expansion zone, so that the anvil has room to deflect after ignition of the primer charge and expansion of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Muller, Heinz Riess
  • Patent number: 5479736
    Abstract: An augmented service pistol weapons system and ammunition has an extended barrel and an adapter sleeve and mount which supports the barrel and partially surrounds a forward end of the service pistol. Two hinged flaps have inward extending clamps which engage an inside of the front of a trigger guard on the pistol. A turn-to-release locking pin holds the two flaps together as the flaps are closed on the trigger guard. An arm rest extends laterally rearwardly along sides of the pistol and terminates in a curved rearward extension to support the augmented service pistol on an arm of the user. A fifty round magazine replaces the standard pistol handle magazine. Scopes and aiming devices are mounted above the extended barrel. A foregrip is removable and positionable at opposite lateral sides of the extended barrel and below the barrel. A variable power function assembly surrounds the barrel and allows selected release of gas to slow projectiles. A shredding device near the muzzle shreds bands on the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Forrester
  • Patent number: 5467716
    Abstract: A munition includes a casing having a cylindrical envelope blocked at each end by a plug. A projectile and a propelling charge are placed in the casing. The munition also includes structure to ensure the axial hold of the projectile with respect to the envelope. The structure includes a cap integral with a front part of the projectile and made integral with the front plug by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Roland Boual
  • Patent number: 5443009
    Abstract: A charge arrangement for cartridge ammunition having a cartridge case, a bottom igniter secured in the case bottom and a primer that coaxially surrounds at least one part of the propellant composed of bulk powder and a tail-side part of a projectile that projects into the cartridge case. To ensure reliable ignition of the propellant bulk in a simple manner, a primer is provided that is comprised of either a separate, relatively thin-walled, combustible sleeve or the inner layer of a multilayer, combustible cartridge case which faces the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignees: Rheinmetall GmbH, WNC Nitrochemie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiesen, Eckhard Rahnenfuhrer, Josef Kohler
  • Patent number: 5433148
    Abstract: A casing includes a cylindrical envelope made of plastic material having a plug of plastic material at each end fitted with a metal reinforcement. The reinforcement is integral with the front plug and includes a ring that has a peripheral cylindrical part and an external edge that entirely covers a top end of the plug, which projects from the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Bruno Barratault, Michel Baubois, Roland Boual
  • Patent number: 5431105
    Abstract: An electrothermal chemical cartridge with a fuse of tapering cross section enables higher impulse energy to be imparted to a projectile by means of complete controlled burning of propellant. A long, narrow tube filled with propellant has a fuse on its inside surface with a cross section that tapers toward the discharge end, separated from the electrical ground of the cartridge casing by a layer of insulation sufficiently thin to be destroyed as the fuse ignites the propellant. A high-voltage electrode connected at the back end of the tube provides for application of a pulse of sufficient current density to ohmically heat or burn the fuse in a controlled fashion from the discharge end to the back end. Many such tubes can be bundled together in a large casing for wide barrel guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Maxwell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Mark Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5402729
    Abstract: Ammunition comprising a cylindrical case (1) with one of the closed ends having coaxially a concentric chamber (1a) capable of receiving a propulsive means for a projectile lodged in the case. The propulsive means consists of a blank cartridge (2) lodged in a diffusing means (3), the cartridge and diffusing means assembly being inserted into the coaxial chamber of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Pierre Richert
  • Patent number: 5400715
    Abstract: Ammunition round comprising a forward cartridge 1 including a projectile 6 and a propellant charge 8, a rearward cartridge 2 including a propellant charge 8 and a propellant ignition system 3, 10, 14, and a propellant charge igniter 16 located so as to lie positioned between the first and second propellant charges when the round is loaded, wherein the propellant ignition system includes ignition transfer means 14 for transferring ignition from the rear of the rearward cartridge to the propellant charge igniter and the propellant charge igniter 16 includes ignition propagation means, preferably in the form of igniter cord 26, for spreading ignition laterally to facilitate rapid simultaneous ignition of the two charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Graham R. Roach, Stephen R. Fuller, Charles D. G. Edwards, Steven Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5388522
    Abstract: A cartridge case for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. The cartridge case includes a hollow cylindrical casing 12 the axis 15 of which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10. The inner surface of casing 12 has a longitudinal groove 48 formed in it along which groove 48 casing 12 splits when round 10 is fired. A rear seal 16 closes the rear end of casing 12 and a front seal 18 closes the front end of casing 12. A hollow cylindrical control tube 20 which includes a control portion 22 and a sleeve portion 24 is secured to seals 16, 18 so that control tube 20 is symmetric with axis 15. A spring 26 interconnects control portion 22 and sleeve portion 24 of control tube 20 and applys a force substantially parallel to axis 14 to seals 16, 18 to move seals 16, 18 toward each other to minimize the distance between seals 16, 18 after the round is fired and to confine the casing between seals 16, 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 5363768
    Abstract: A propellant system is disclosed which includes a propellant applied to at least one surface of a substrate which is in the form of a strip. The propellant strip is adhesively attached to itself in a configuration which conceals propellant within the configuration and which allows the attached strip to peel away from itself under applied forces thereby resulting in smooth and continuous exposure of propellant for burning. The system is directed to use with ejectable projectiles which are slidably disposed within a canister or casing. The propellant system is interconnected between the projectile and the canister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Solberg, James A. Hartwell
  • Patent number: 5359937
    Abstract: A cartridge 10 for low-mass, frangible projectiles 60 comprises a cartridge ase 12 having a primer 14 at its base and a sabot 30 or piston 30 at its mouth. The piston 30 can be provided with longitudinal orifices 44, diagonal orifices, 44a, grooves 64 or any combination of orifices and grooves. The projectile 60 is inserted into a cylindrical recess 46 in the front portion of the sabot 30. The orifices 44 are in communication with this recess 46 to permit propellant gas to bleed through and accelerate the projectile 60 upon ignition. The case 12 and the sabot 30 can be provided respectively with a crimp 24 and a stepped portion 48 in order to limit travel of the sabot 30 out of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc./Les Technologies Industrielles SNC Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5341744
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the bore of a firearm including a shell housing having a rearwardly oriented base portion, a substantially tubular body defining a cavity, and a forward end, a tank for confining a compressed fluid, the tank being disposed within the cavity of the housing, a cleaning wad for cleaning the bore of the firearm, disposed forward of the tank, and a rupturing member disposed between the tank and the cleaning wad, whereby the compressed fluid is released from the tank and propels the cleaning wad through the bore of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Xiao Shi
  • Patent number: 5335600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a propellant charge igniter mountable in a propellant charge carrier or in a cartridge. Propellant charge igniter is provided with an expulsion charge to avoid breech flash, said charge being suitable for driving an ignition guide tube completely out of an annular chamber formed between a bottom part and a flame guide tube of the propellant charge igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel AG
    Inventors: Alfred Horr, Heinz Reiss, Uwe Brede
  • Patent number: 5333551
    Abstract: A drive member for the projectile head of a large caliber, multi-purpose cartridge or a multi-purpose training cartridge, wherein a threaded connection is provided for the form-locking connection between the drive member and the projectile head. In order to give such multi-purpose cartridges or corresponding multi-purpose training cartridges a modular configuration, with their assembly taking place only at their location of use, the drive member is provided with radial bores that start at its outer edge or periphery at its end facing the projectile head. Before joining the projectile head and the drive member, a holding and clamping device is then introduced into these bores so as to securely hold the drive member when the respective projectile head is screwed to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Jurgen Bocker, Ulf Hahn
  • Patent number: 5329855
    Abstract: An improved cartridge 24 is disclosed for use in an explosively operated industrial tool 10. The cartridge 24 includes a retaining plate 60 for assuring that, after firing the cartridge 24, the spent primer 32 cannot be inadvertently ejected into the interior of the tool 10, where it can subsequently adversely affect the performance of the tool 10. The retaining plate 60 is washer shaped having an upwardly turned beveled peripheral edge 64 that interferingly engages portions of a gas check member 36 that holds the primer 32. The retaining plate 60 has a hole 61 that allows access to the detonator cap 68 for firing yet will not permit passage therethrough of the detonator cap 68 itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Janusz Szyndlar
  • Patent number: 5325785
    Abstract: An ignition device for propellant of a projectile having its aft section ending deeply rearward within a shell case comprises a strand holder, a primer head, and flexible ignition strands with the primer head, when installed, being supported by the shell case and supporting the strand holder which in turn preferably supports the aft end of the projectile. The ignition strands, symmetrically disposed, contact the propellant and in preferred embodiments also contact the projectile, and/or the interior of the shell case, as well as the propellant, and extend along the body section of the strand holder and through conduits therein into a combustion chamber, formed intermediate the installed primer head and a platform section of the strand holder, and with the combustion chamber containing an igniter booster charge susceptible to ignition by a firing means adapted to be used with the primer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Carl Gardner
  • Patent number: 5309842
    Abstract: The device for firing a diabolo form bullet from a firearm with a rifled barrel consists of a cartridge having a housing, a detonation cap connected to one end of the housing in a gas-tight manner and containing a gas-forming propellant, the housing having an expansion compartment for expansion of a gas produced on ignition of the gas-forming propellant and an outer surface tapered toward another end of the housing remote from the detonation cap, the tapered outer surface aligning the diabolo form bullet loaded coaxially in the rifled barrel by engaging a tapered recess provided in the diabolo form bullet, whereby the diabolo form bullet is forced into the rifled barrel so as to calibrate the diabolo form bullet; and a membrane covering the other end of the housing remote from the detonation cap. The housing is provided with at least one breakthrough region, which ruptures when a gas pressure on ignition exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignees: Wilhelm Brenneke KG Fabrikation von Jagdgeschossen, Dianawerk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Matysik, Walter Heitz
  • Patent number: 5297491
    Abstract: A casing bottom or stub casing for a propelling charge casing whose base plate (1) has an exterior or outer surface which is curved inwardly in an annular region (7) so that the casing bottom is able to sufficiently axially expand under the high gas pressure developing during firing without requiring the use of a high strength material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Gisbert Bartsch, Monika Wildau, Jurgen Meyer
  • Patent number: 5277096
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for propelling a subcaliber penetrator through a gun tube which has a portion of the propellant charge contained in an annular cavity surrounding the sabot is disclosed. The annular cavity is defined by the scoop shaped front bourrelet, the aft bourrelet which has three radially extending support posts and bore riding shoes, and a combustible tubular case extension over the aft bourrelet extending forward to the front bourrelet. The assembly includes cartridge case having a multistrand ignition system having a plurality of flexible combustible ignition strand. The strands extend through the propellant charge in the case and extend between the posts of the aft bourrelet into the annular cavity to simultaneously ignite the propellant charge contained therein with the portion of the charge in the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph F. Campoli, John T. McGovern
  • Patent number: 5277118
    Abstract: Cartridge case member with a combustible tube, ammunition with a semicombustible cartridge case incorporating this member and process for filling this ammunition.The present invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates more particularly to that of dart-shell semicombustible ammunition.The invention relates to a cartridge case member (3) with a combustible tube (6) comprising a bottom (7) which has a central opening (8) and a side opening (9). A hollow component (4) enters the said member (3) through the central opening (8) without obstructing the side opening (9). This hollow component (4) is a shell of revolution which comprises, over its entire height, a central cavity on the wall of which are arranged means (18) for fastening a separate component.The invention also relates to semicombustible ammunition (1) comprising a member (3) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventor: Bernard Conil
  • Patent number: 5272983
    Abstract: A casing bottom for a propelling charge including a circular ring shaped (annular) base plate (1) which accommodates a centrally arranged primer sleeve (7) in a form-locking manner. In order to be able to unload ammunition, particularly two-part ammunition including sub-caliber projectiles, the rear surface of the primer sleeve is provided with a recess for form-fittingly receiving an extractor. Preferably the recess is of a size which can be accommodated on a sub-caliber projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Gisbert Bartsch, Egon Gampe, Wilfried Becker