Having Liquid/gas Propellent Means Patents (Class 102/440)
  • Patent number: 11906260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
  • Patent number: 10690424
    Abstract: A modified projectile includes a projectile, a container, and a liquid propellant in the container. The container is detachably attached to the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Patent number: 9377261
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Denny Aberg, Fredrik Olsson
  • Patent number: 8763596
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: APS Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Ho Lam
  • Patent number: 8365669
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: UTM IP Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 8342097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Widder, Christopher A. Perhala
  • Patent number: 8256406
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 7987759
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Ola Stark, Mats Lofgren, Lars Peter Svanberg
  • Patent number: 7926403
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Utron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Vigil, David L. Kruczynski, Barry L. Landers, Dennis W. Massey
  • Publication number: 20110061555
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Ola Stark
  • Publication number: 20110056402
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Lennart Gustavsson, Ola Stark
  • Publication number: 20100300320
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Thomas McGarraugh, Barron Christopher Miller
  • Patent number: 7823510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Hobart, Timothy S. Kokan, Alan B. Minick, Frederic H. Massey
  • Patent number: 7802520
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Electronics
    Inventor: Bruce G. Van Stratum
  • Patent number: 7464649
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventors: Ben Bishop, Ramon John Bambach, James Michael O'Dwyer, Vinod Puri
  • Patent number: 7412975
    Abstract: A handheld gas propelled missile launcher which deploys projectiles of varying payloads through the muzzle, and a ballistic module for changing payloads expeditiously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Burton Raymond Dillon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7059316
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
  • Patent number: 6619278
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6591731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Apti, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeshayahu S. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6408731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Proparms Ltd.
    Inventor: Josef Elsener
  • Patent number: 6405628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Apti, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeshayahu S Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6389978
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Manuel B. Hooper, Jim C. Counts
  • Patent number: 6142056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: U.T. Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Rusi P. Taleyarkhan
  • 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: 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: 5962805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Constantia (International) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 5909000
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
  • 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: 5789696
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Woodrow W. Lee, Richard D. Ford
  • Patent number: 5739462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Kyle W. Poor, John W. Sogge
  • Patent number: 5719351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin L. Johnson, Bradley D. Harris
  • 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: 5700972
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Constantia (International) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 5652405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
  • Patent number: 5511481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: William D. Stephens
  • 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: 5429030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: GT-Devices
    Inventor: Derek A. Tidman
  • 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: 5303633
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Guthrie, Thomas C. Powell, Loren G. Mooney
  • Patent number: 5217948
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division
    Inventors: Eddie M. Leung, Scott D. Peck
  • Patent number: 5194690
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Guthrie, Thomas C. Powell, Loren G. Mooney
  • Patent number: 5187323
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
  • Patent number: 5078117
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: John H. Cover
  • Patent number: 5072647
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: GT-Devices
    Inventors: Yeshayahu S. A. Goldstein, Derek A. Tidman, Dennis W. Massey, Joseph R. Greig
  • Patent number: 4993309
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Patent number: 4972777
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Algera
  • Patent number: 4945809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Melvin J. Bulman, David L. Maher
  • Patent number: 4941390
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Patent number: H927
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Donald Miller
  • Patent number: H1598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John J. O'Reilly, Nora M. DeVries, Robert L. Talley