Having Liquid/gas Propellent Means Patents (Class 102/440)
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Patent number: 11906260Abstract: The device of the present disclosure is a weapon. The weapon having a CO2 powered projectile which is fired from the weapon, used principally for self-defense. The projectile is generally rocket shaped wherein the front end of the rocket can be formed by a rounded shape of a front of a CO2 cylinder. The impact of the rocket projectile on a human could cause some pain, depending upon exactly what part of the body it hits. The impact could also cause some loss of balance to a human, due to the impact.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
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Patent number: 10690424Abstract: A modified projectile includes a projectile, a container, and a liquid propellant in the container. The container is detachably attached to the projectile.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
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Patent number: 9377261Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repeatable ignition of propellant charges in a weapon system, e.g. for firing shells from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge in a combustion chamber duct (3) containing a combustion chamber substance (30), wherein the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3) is ionized by the high-voltage potential applied to the ionizing electrode (7), which is connected to a first high-voltage generator (2), thus increasing the electrical conduction capacity in the combustion chamber duct (3) such that an electrical sparkover through electrical discharge via a second high-voltage generator (5) between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) is generated and produces an effect, with subsequent ionization of the surface of the combustion chamber substance (30), which causes hot gas in a plasma-like state to be expelled from the combustion chamber duct (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventors: Denny Aberg, Fredrik Olsson
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Patent number: 8763596Abstract: A cartridge for launching a bullet, includes a shell case, a pressure chamber and a push rod; the shell case defines concentric through-holes; the pressure chamber is set up between the through-holes; the push rod defines an air vent and an airway, the air vent being in fluid communication with the firing chamber via the airway; a piston is mounted to the push rod and is received in the pressure chamber for compressing the chamber; when uncompressed, the air vent is located in the pressure chamber, when the push rod is struck the air vent moves forwards, back into the pressure chamber, the compressed air in the pressure chamber is discharged via the air vent and the airway to fire the bullet. The invention has a simple and compact structure, and is safe in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: APS Ltd.Inventor: Chung Ho Lam
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Patent number: 8365669Abstract: A cartridge for non-lethal applications comprises a posterior portion 1 which extends axially to provide a cylindrical casing. An anterior portion comprises of a nose portion 2 with a centrally located recess 8 for receiving a projectile, and an axially extending piston 3 which is slidably engaged in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1. A posterior primer 4 is located to the end of the posterior portion which is most distal to the nose portion 2. An anterior primer 5 sits just behind the recess 8 of the nose portion 2. A plastic striker is located in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1 and comprises of a sealing flange portion 6 and striking nose portion 7. The striking nose portion 7 locates snugly but slidably in a second chamber provided axially within the piston 3.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: UTM IP LimitedInventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 8342097Abstract: A launcher system includes a launcher having a barrel adapted to receive a projectile with a charge of propellant and a magazine adapted to hold additional projectiles, with each projectile including a piston shiftably mounted for movement relative to a main body. When propellant in the projectile is ignited, either mechanically or electrically, the propellant forces the piston from a retracted position during a period of initial thrust and then the propellant exits through at least one vent hole to provide an additional thrust for the projectile upon the piston moving to a fully extended position and safely discharge pressure from within the projectile. The projectile may be fired at lethal or non-lethal velocities.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Jeffrey M. Widder, Christopher A. Perhala
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Patent number: 8256406Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for regulating pneumatic gas propulsion. More specifically, some embodiments include a first spring that exerts a spring force, where the spring set point increases as the first spring is compressed. Similarly, some embodiments include a piston that is in physical communication with the first spring and a valve. The valve mechanism may receive the gas, where upon the gas being received by the valve mechanism at a pressure that meets the spring set point, the gas causes the piston to move in the longitudinal direction. Further, movement of the piston creates a cylinder space between the piston and the valve mechanism, where a volume of the cylinder space is defined by a position of the piston. The pressure causes the piston to compress the first spring until an equilibrium exists between the gas force and the spring force.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: Kevin Kirkpatrick
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Patent number: 7987759Abstract: A method is provided for an electric activation of a plasma jet igniter for firing Electro-Thermal-Chemical (ETC) guns, machine guns and other equivalent ETC barreled weapons, without complete consumption of any of the components necessary for its activation upon activating the igniter. Each activation of the igniter by means of one or several voltage pulses, which from an electric pulse generator (10) are conducted between an anode (4) and a cathode (5), is preceded by heating of the anode (4) to such high temperature that at least parts of the dielectric material (2) arranged in proximity to the anode (4) have begun to vaporize. The method may be implemented using an adapted plasma let igniter which has an anode that can be heated to a high temperature so that the igniter can be used for firing whole series of rounds or a full magazine of successively fired rounds in rapid order.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventors: Ola Stark, Mats Lofgren, Lars Peter Svanberg
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Patent number: 7926403Abstract: The new injection system provides rapid, high pressure, high density, and transient batch injection of cryogenic liquids. The system stores and maintains the temperature of liquids in vacuum jacketed tanks, increases pressures using pumps, and stores the high pressure fluid in accumulators. The accumulator periodically injects the fluids at high pressure in measured mass batches into a combustion chamber. The system injects enough liquid or gas in 0.5 to 3.0 seconds to provide 500 to 6500 psi in a closed chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Utron Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Vigil, David L. Kruczynski, Barry L. Landers, Dennis W. Massey
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Publication number: 20110061555Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma generator (4, 4?) for electrothermal and electrothermal-chemical weapon systems, which plasma generator is intended to deliver at least one energy pulse for the formation of a plasma for accelerating a projectile (3) along the barrel (11) of the weapon system. The plasma generator comprises a combustion chamber (20) with a combustion chamber channel (20?), a centre electrode (24, 24?) disposed inside the combustion chamber channel, which combustion chamber and centre electrode are electrically conductive, and a ceramic tube (23) arranged between the combustion chamber and the centre electrode. The ceramic tube is shrink-fastened into the combustion chamber, and the plasma generator further comprises a polymeric sacrificial material (34, 34?), which is gasifiable by the energy pulse. The invention also relates to a method for making the plasma generator form a plasma, and an ammunition round having a plasma generator according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Ola Stark
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Publication number: 20110056402Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma generator (4) for electrothermal and electrothermal-chemical weapons systems, the plasma generator being intended, via at least one emitted energy pulse, to form a plasma, which is designed to accelerate a projectile (3) along the barrel (11) of the weapons system in question, the plasma generator comprising a combustion chamber (20) having an axial combustion chamber channel (20?) and a ceramic arranged inside the combustion chamber channel for insulating the combustion chamber. According to the invention the ceramic consists of a shrink- fixed, compressively pre-stressed ceramic tube (23). The invention also relates to a method for shrink-fixing the ceramic tube in the combustion chamber channel as well as an ammunition round comprising a plasma generator according to the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Ola Stark
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Publication number: 20100300320Abstract: An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Jason Thomas McGarraugh, Barron Christopher Miller
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Patent number: 7823510Abstract: A projectile and method of extending the range of the projectile. The projectile includes a storage tank operable to release a working fluid through an exhaust manifold to at least partially fill a wake aft of the projectile during projectile flight.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Alan Hobart, Timothy S. Kokan, Alan B. Minick, Frederic H. Massey
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Patent number: 7802520Abstract: A modified cartridge assembly including a projectile having a gas generator proximate its aft end. The projectile includes an aft closure having a cavity filled with gas generating material. The gas generating material is ignited around the time the projectile exits the weapon's muzzle. The gas generating material then burns while the projectile is in flight, spewing pressurized gas into the wake region immediately behind the projectile. The pressurized gas reduces the projectile's base drag.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Martin ElectronicsInventor: Bruce G. Van Stratum
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Patent number: 7464649Abstract: A cartridge assembly (10) for firearms or weapons, said cartridge assembly including a support body (11) having a central longitudinal channel (16) housing a plurality of projectiles (20, 22, 24) in end-to-end orientation and having a plurality of circumferential chambers (14), wherein each chamber houses (14a, 14b, 14c) at least one propellant charge (12a, 12b, 12c) and is located adjacent to a respective projectile; fluid communication means (18) included in the support body for communicating the products of a gaseous expansion of said propellant from a respective chamber (14) into said central longitudinal channel (16); whereby, upon initiation of a selected propellant charge (12a, 12b, 12c), the communicated products of gaseous expansion from a circumferential chamber force or eject a respective projectile (20, 22, 24) from the cartridge assembly (10). The propellant charges may comprise a volume of propellant material encased in a bag with an igniter.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Metal Storm LimitedInventors: Ben Bishop, Ramon John Bambach, James Michael O'Dwyer, Vinod Puri
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Patent number: 7412975Abstract: A handheld gas propelled missile launcher which deploys projectiles of varying payloads through the muzzle, and a ballistic module for changing payloads expeditiously.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventor: Burton Raymond Dillon, Jr.
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Patent number: 7059316Abstract: A paintball shooting structure includes a cartridge in combination with a percussion device to receive multiple paintballs therein and is provided for a paintball gun. When an impact section of a firing pin of the percussion device is struck, the striking force pushes the firing pin to move forward such that the total length from a plug head formed in a front end of the plug to the impact section is shortened. Meanwhile, compressed gas is released out of the cartridge to push the plug to move rearward along an annular section of an outer sheath. Besides, the compressed gas immediately rushes into each paintball feeder in the cartridge so as to shoot each paintball in a respective one of the paintball feeders out of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
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Patent number: 6619278Abstract: A projectile assembly that enables a compressed gas powered projectile to be fired from a traditional ammunition firearm. The projectile assembly includes a casing that is shaped like the casing of traditional ammunition. A projectile is set into the tip of the casing. Within the casing is located a compressed gas cartridge. The projectile assembly is loaded into the breech of a traditional firearm. Once the firearm is fired, the firing pin of the firearm strikes a piercing pin within the casing. The piercing pin, in turn, strikes and pierces the compressed gas cartridge. The gas pressure displaces the projectile from the tip of the casing and propels the projectile down and out the barrel of the firearm. The casing is designed so that a new compressed cartridge can be placed in the casing and the projectile replaced.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventor: Peter Lin
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Patent number: 6591731Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Apti, Inc.Inventor: Yeshayahu S. Goldstein
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Patent number: 6408731Abstract: The disrupter (16) includes an elongated hollow barrel (18) having a cylindrical inner chamber (20), a closed rear (26) end and an opened front end (22), the latter closed with a front frangible seal (38). A channel member (46) partly surrounds an intermediate portion of the barrel, and is securely attached thereto. A pair of recoil channels (76, 78) extend from the barrel inner chamber, radially outwardly and rearwardly through the barrel and the channel member, and are linked to rearwardly oriented recoil tubes (52, 54) which have opened rear end portions (60, 62) closed with rear frangible seals (64, 66). In use, a cartridge (90) including an explosive charge (88) is to be inserted in the barrel inner chamber at its rear end, and the barrel, recoil channels and recoil tubes (52, 54) are to be filled with water. The frangible seals (38, 64, 66) prevent the water from leaking out of the disrupter while it is positioned near a bomb to be deactivated.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Proparms Ltd.Inventor: Josef Elsener
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Patent number: 6405628Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Apti, Inc.Inventor: Yeshayahu S Goldstein
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Patent number: 6389978Abstract: A gun barrel cleaning shell uses a pressurized cartridge alone or within a shell casing to propel cleaning material through the bore of the firearm. Inside the cartridge is a strike pin that when the firing pin of the firearm is actuated will cause the strike pin to puncture a rupturable end of the cartridge to release the compressed fluids therein to force the cleaning material toward and through the barrel of the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventors: Manuel B. Hooper, Jim C. Counts
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Patent number: 6142056Abstract: The present invention is a variable thrust cartridge comprising a water-molten aluminum reaction chamber from which a slug is propelled. The cartridge comprises a firing system that initiates a controlled explosion from the reaction chamber. The explosive force provides a thrust to a slug, preferably contained within the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: U.T. Battelle, LLCInventor: Rusi P. Taleyarkhan
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Patent number: 6095051Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 5988070Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventors: Herbert Krumm, Thomas Weise, Frank Venier, Gunter Stoffler
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Patent number: 5962805Abstract: A cartridge has a case comprising a body housed telescopically within a sleeve. The body encloses a main chamber which contains gas under pressure, and a valve mechanism for venting gas from the chamber into an expansion chamber. The pressure of the gas in the expansion chamber causes the body to move rearwardly relative to the sleeve to apply a force to the breech block of the weapon in which the cartridge is used, thereby to initiate the reloading cycle. Gas is vented from the expansion chamber to eject a projectile when a spigot projecting from the body is withdrawn from an aperture in the end wall of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Constantia (International) LimitedInventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 5909000Abstract: A shooting system providing a barrel with an open forward end and a closed rear end and a projectile containing a propellant under pressure located in the barrel. A wad in the bore has a forward holding member allowing the rearward portion of the projectile to be moved rearwardly in the bore and be longitudinally slidably frictionally fitted in the holding member while the holding member is in sealing engagement circumferentially of and between the barrel and the projectile whereby the projectile is in a loaded state. The holding member also allows the projectile to move forwardly out of the holding member in the firing state. The wad also has a rearward sealing portion in circumferential sealing engagement with the barrel and radially spaced from the rearward portion of the projectile whereby the closed rearward end of the bore, the sealing member, and the projectile form a firing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
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Patent number: 5898124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Rheinmetall Industries AGInventors: Herbert Krumm, Thomas Weise, Frank Venier, Gunter Stoffler
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Patent number: 5789696Abstract: A method for propelling a projectile by applying a high power pulse of elrical current to a metal fuel element (of Al, Al-Li, or Al-Mg) causing the element to explode dispersing molten metal fuel into water with which it reacts to rapidly generate hydrogen gas at high pressure; the hydrogen gas is used to push the projectile. After the peak current is reached, an inductive electrical energy source drives the electrical current into the molten metal fuel/water mixture thus driving the reaction to completion.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Woodrow W. Lee, Richard D. Ford
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Patent number: 5739462Abstract: A pyrotechnic device includes a launcher for launching and igniting a plurality of pyrotechnic stars for creating an aerial fireworks display. The launcher comprises a launching tube having an igniter that ignites the pyrotechnic stars as they are being expelled from the launching tube under the force of pressurized air. The igniter may comprise a section of the launching tube having a locally reduced diameter so that the pyrotechnic star frictionally engages it during launch, causing a striker composition on the interior of the launching tube to ignite a prime composition on the exterior surface of the pyrotechnic star. Alternatively, the igniter may comprise a flame within the launching tube to ignite the prime composition on the star. Various feeding mechanisms are provided to rapidly feed a large number of pyrotechnic stars for launching from the launching tube. The launcher utilizes pressurized air to launch the pyrotechnic stars and, thus, minimizes adverse environmental impact.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: The Walt Disney CompanyInventors: Kyle W. Poor, John W. Sogge
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Patent number: 5719351Abstract: An inflator of a vehicle safety restraint system includes a housing having a reservoir of liquid propellant. A combustion chamber is disposed in the housing in communication with the liquid propellant reservoir. A regenerative piston is movably disposed within the housing for separating the liquid propellant reservoir and the combustion chamber. The piston head includes a plurality of injection ports for delivering the liquid propellant to the combustion chamber in a controlled manner. A pressure relieving bore, normally sealed by the piston stem, is disposed in the housing for relieving pressure in the liquid propellant reservoir. Decomposition or combustion within the propellant storage reservoir will move the piston to open the pressure relief bore which depressurizes the liquid propellant and prevents rupture and fragmentation of the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Morton International, Inc.Inventors: Darrin L. Johnson, Bradley D. Harris
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Patent number: 5703322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems Inc.Inventor: Derek A. Tidman
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Patent number: 5700972Abstract: A cartridge has a case comprising a body (10) housed telescopically within a sleeve (14). The body encloses a main chamber (21) which contains gas under pressure, and a valve mechanism for venting gas from the chamber (21) into an expansion chamber (61). The pressure of the gas in the expansion chamber causes the body (10) to move rearwardly relative to the sleeve (14) to apply a force to the breech block of the weapon in which the cartridge is used, thereby to initiate the reloading cycle. Gas is vented from the expansion chamber to eject a projectile when a spigot (51) projecting from the body is withdrawn from an aperture (53) in the end wall of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Constantia (International) LimitedInventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
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Patent number: 5652405Abstract: A shooting system discharges a projectile having a chamber that stores a compressible fluid in a compressed state and having a valve mounted in a rear end of the projectile. The shooting system includes a longitudinal barrel having an opening on a front end and having a cap on a rear end. The projectile is movable within the barrel. The rear end of the projectile, the barrel, and the cap form a chamber. A striker is disposed in the cap for opening the valve of the projectile to release the fluid into the chamber to urge the projectile toward the opening of the barrel as the fluid is released. The projectile forms a hermetic seal between the projectile and the barrel to substantially contain the released fluid in the chamber until the projectile exits the opening of the barrel. A stabilizer, such as fins, may be detachably mounted to the opening of the barrel so that the projectile contacts the stabilizer and urges the stabilizer into flight to stabilize the discharged projectile.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
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Patent number: 5511481Abstract: A breech assembly similar to a modified shotgun breech is used to fire gaus combustion products from a shotgun type pyrotechnic cartridge into a tank that holds the compressed gas. This compressed gas can then be used to drive power tools, inflation assemblies or any device which normally operates on compressed air.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: William D. Stephens
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Patent number: 5431105Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Maxwell Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: G. Mark Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5429030Abstract: A pressurized light gas in a first chamber segment of a light gas gun is heated and highly pressurized by an electric discharge. Solid chemical propellant in a second chamber segment behind and separated from the first chamber segment by a perforated wall is ignited by the heated and highly pressurized light gas to form a gaseous piston to assist in accelerating the light gas against a projectile.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: GT-DevicesInventor: Derek A. Tidman
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Patent number: 5341744Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: Xiao Shi
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Patent number: 5303633Abstract: A shock compression jet gun with associated explosive charge assembly. The shock compression jet gun features a breech for storage of the explosive charge assembly, a projectile tube, and an expansion nozzle disposed between the breech and projectile tube. The expansion nozzle includes converging and diverging passageways. The explosive charge assembly includes a shock absorbing outer casing, a detonator, a shaped charged positioned within the casing and a compressible medium retained within a recess formed in the shaped charge. The compressible medium is maintained within the recess by way of a membrane sealing one end of the casing. In a preferred embodiment the compressible medium is a liquid such as ammonia, water or a mixture of liquid ammonia and water which dissociate(s) into a mixture of light gases upon detonation of the shaped charge.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1993Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Guthrie, Thomas C. Powell, Loren G. Mooney
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Patent number: 5217948Abstract: The device employs Hybrid Pulsed Transformer principles employing a projectile with an internal pay load. The projectile carries a light weight shorted secondary coil or coils constructed of aluminum and the projectile acts as a moving secondary through a plurality of aligned spaced apart transformer primary coils. The moving secondary coil includes a plurality of surrounding channels containing a liquid, such as water, for cooling. The cooling ability of certain liquids, as for example water, associated with change of state between liquid and gas is employed to cool the coil or coils.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems DivisionInventors: Eddie M. Leung, Scott D. Peck
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Patent number: 5194690Abstract: A shocck compression jet gun with associated explosive charge assembly. The shock compression jet gun features a breech for storage of the explosive charge assembly, a projectile tube, and an expansion nozzle disposed between the breech and projectile tube. The expansion nozzle includes converging and diverging passageways. The explosive charge assembly includes a shock absorbing outer casing, a detonator, a shaped charged positioned within the casing and a compressible medium retained within a recess formed in the shaped charge. The compressible medium is maintained within the recess by way of a membrane sealing one end of the casing. In a preferred embodiment the compressible medium is a liquid such as ammonia, water or a mixture of liquid ammonia and water which dissociate(s) into a mixture of light gases upon detonation of the shaped charge.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Guthrie, Thomas C. Powell, Loren G. Mooney
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Patent number: 5187323Abstract: In a cartridge casing there is provided a telescopic valve stem having at its forward end a main outlet valve and at its rearward end a servo- or pressure relief valve, a piston-like collar on the forward part of the valve stem divides the interior of the casing into a forward main chamber and a rearward auxiliary chamber; the chambers are connected by a bleeding passage and have an outlet opening at the forward end and the rearward end of the casing respectively, which openings are normally closed by the respective valves. A chamber of variable volume within the telescopic valve stem is in communication with the atmosphere, due to which the rearward or servo-valve may be opened by a slight fire pin blow to initiate the discharge of pressurized gas filling from the main chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1992Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
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Patent number: 5078117Abstract: A projectile propellant device is adapted to supply a compressed gas from a compressed gas container for providing the propulsion force for a projectile or for providing the operating force for a gas powered device. The propellant device includes a gas container containing a volume of gas at sufficient pressure for applying a desired force upon release, and a compressed gas releasing structure for producing a release opening in the compressed gas container in response to the detonation of a pyrotechnic material. The release opening releases the compressed gas for applying the desired force, such as a propulsion force to propel a projectile. The gas releasing structure preferably includes a pyrotechnic charge device and a puncturing device both mounted within a suitable device housing along with the gas container.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1990Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Inventor: John H. Cover
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Patent number: 5072647Abstract: A projectile is accelerated through a gun barrel in response to high pressure gas applied to the rear of the projectile in response to a high pressure plasma discharge. Plasma from the discharge flows transversely of the discharge into a chamber through multiple openings in a passage wall that confines the discharge. The high pressure, high temperature plasma flowing into the chamber causes an exothermic reaction of water and metal particles in a slurry in the chamber to produce high pressure hydrogen gas that flows longitudinally of the discharge against the rear of the projectile. To maintain the pressure of hydrogen gas acting against the projectile relatively constant as the projectile is accelerated down the barrel, electric power applied to the discharge increases substantially linearly as a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1989Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Assignee: GT-DevicesInventors: Yeshayahu S. A. Goldstein, Derek A. Tidman, Dennis W. Massey, Joseph R. Greig
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Patent number: 4993309Abstract: This invention provides a liquid propellant round of ammunition having a traveling charge which is ignited after both such charge and the projectile have received an initial forward acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1990Date of Patent: February 19, 1991Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Melvin J. Bulman
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Patent number: 4972777Abstract: A round of ammunition is provided including a stub cartridge case carrying a primer, a booster, and a projectile having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves in its base which are obturated by the case.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1977Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert A. Algera
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Patent number: 4945809Abstract: This invention provides an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun system, having a dual angle injection mechanism to provide both bore and chamber gas requirements with a single injection control valve. The dual angle feature assures a stable combustion zone. A flexible lip on the projectile is used in conjunction with the dual angle injection mechanism to positively eliminate backflow of propellant through the injection mechanism during the ignition phase of the gun cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1984Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Melvin J. Bulman, David L. Maher
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Patent number: 4941390Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun, of a check valve to permit liquid propellant under relatively low pressure to flow from the supply system into the combustion chamber and to preclude the pulse of pressure generated in the combustion chamber from feeding back to the supply system. This valve allows propellant to be removed automatically from the pumping chamber in the event of a misfire.Another feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun of a frangible stem which secures the projectile to the cartridge case. The stem breaks to release the projectile for travel down the gun bore when a predetermined level of combustion gas pressure has been developed in the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1980Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Melvin J. Bulman
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Patent number: H927Abstract: A post burn hydrogen light gas cartridge utilizes a separation tube to prde a high velocity flow to allow for separation of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen-oxygen combustion product water in a high temperature state produced in a primer initiated combustion chamber containing pressurized hydrogen gas. An accumulator is utilized to provide a large volume of hydrogen gas at high pressure and temperature to feed the expansion of the hydrogen. A second oxidant ampoule reacting with the expanded hydrogen provides a secondary propulsion means giving a velocity additive to the velocity resulting from a primary expansion means.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1990Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Donald Miller
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Patent number: H1598Abstract: A liquid propellant igniter uses axially aligned ring electrodes separated y high strength ring-shaped insulators and a high-voltage electrode assembly to provide reliable electrical discharges for initiating and igniting a propellant.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: John J. O'Reilly, Nora M. DeVries, Robert L. Talley