Abstract: A low energy cartridge has a case having a sidewall with an interior surface defining a projectile receptacle along a bore axis and having a forward open case mouth, a projectile having an exterior sidewall closely received in the projectile receptacle and defining a rotational axis, a propellant receptacle defined by the case and having a passage communicating with the projectile receptacle, the projectile exterior sidewall being non-circular in cross section across the rotational axis, and the case sidewall interior surface having a rotational engagement feature configured to rotationally engage the non-circular projectile exterior sidewall. The projectile may be slidably received in the projectile receptacle for propulsion from the forward open case mouth. At least one of the projectile and the sidewall interior surface may have a helical surface feature, such that spin is imparted to the projectile upon propulsion from the case.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly that includes a non-lethal projectile and a carrier configured for retaining and launching the non-lethal projectile. The carrier includes a housing including a combustion chamber, at least one escape aperture, a primer, and a case connected to the housing. The case encases the non-lethal projectile. The case and the housing collectively define a launch chamber that is fluidly connected to the at least one escape aperture. The launch chamber is configured for launching the non-lethal projectile out of the case. The at least one escape aperture is configured for metering pressurized gas from the combustion chamber to the launch chamber for launching the non-lethal projectile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite munition cases that burn without significant residue, rugged enough to withstand rough handling, and provides for additional burn rate control over current state of the art metal and combustible munition cases. The munition cases disclose herein utilizes combustible composite materials having an inner and outer walls connected by support structures. The support structures can be radial walls or honeycomb shaped cells. In another embodiment wedge elements assembled into a cylindrical munition case is also proposed. Exemplary composite materials include felted fiber, foam celluloid and polystyrene.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an energy source and an expansion structure. The energy source is configured to convey an amount of energy operable to increase a pressure of a compressible gas disposed in a chamber. The expansion structure is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the chamber and to receive a flow of the compressible gas in response to the increase in pressure. The expansion structure includes an inlet having a first diameter and an outlet having a second diameter greater than the first diameter and is configured to allow the compressible gas to expand as the compressible gas flows from the inlet to the outlet such that a supersonic free jet of the compressible gas exits the outlet. In some instances, the supersonic free jet of the compressible gas can accelerate, relative to the expansion structure, a projectile disposed outside of the expansion structure.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system inflator device having a housing defining an elongated chamber and containing an initial supply of stored inflation gas. An initiator is disposed proximate the first axial end of the housing and an operable closure is disposed proximate the second axial end of the housing. A slidable gas generator assembly is disposed within the chamber between the initiator and the closure and includes a supply of gas generant material reactable upon initiation to produce additional inflation gas. Upon actuation, the initiator and the slidable gas generator assembly cooperate to create a pressure wave to open the closure and to permit release of inflation gas. The slidable gas generator assembly slides within the elongated chamber and gas material reacts to form additional inflation gas.

Abstract: An airbag device for a front passenger seat includes an airbag, two inflators each for feeding the airbag with an inflation gas, a case which holds the airbag and inflators, and a retainer which mounts the airbag and inflators on the case. One of the two inflators is a potentially-influential inflator whose inflation gas may influence the other inflator. The retainer includes a holding plate section which is disposed on an inner surface of the airbag, two insert openings for receiving main bodies of the two inflators, and a shielding wall which rises out of a position of the holding plate section between the two insert openings and extends to a vicinity of a height of the top end plane of the main body of the potentially-influential inflator. The shielding wall shields the other inflator from an inflation gas emitted by the potentially-influential inflator.

Abstract: A projectile extending along an axis X between two ends, the projectile being positioned in a barrel of substantially cylindrical shape of axis X is provided. The projectile comprises: a hollow part at its center, opening onto a first of the two ends of the projectile to receive a compressed fluid, a plurality of vents passing through the projectile from the hollow part substantially perpendicular to the axis X and with a substantially radial outlet to expel the compressed fluid substantially at a tangent to the projectile. The invention also relates to the barrel and to a launch device comprising a projectile and a barrel.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas operated automatic or semi-automatic weapon that has a bolt that locks by a partial rotation of the bolt with respect to a bolt carrier, the bolt carrier in communication with a gas port on the barrel of the weapon, the method comprising utilizing the gas pressure from a cartridge received from a port in the barrel to unlock the bolt, and utilizing the expansion of a telescoping cartridge in the chamber to recycle the weapon after the bolt is unlocked. In embodiments the cartridge is a 5.56 mm cartridge. In embodiments, the propellant driving the projectile does not provide enough gas pressure to recycle the weapon and the telescoping cartridge supplements the needed power for recycling sufficient to accomplish the recycling. The invention include the telescoping cartridge providing a projectile with lethal energy and recycle capability for gas operated rifles. The subsonic cartridge may have at least 80 ft lbs of energy and operates subsonically.

Abstract: Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.

Abstract: A munition includes a projectile and a propellant unit. The propellant unit includes a shell having a cylindrical configuration centered on a longitudinal central axis of the munition. The shell has a cylinder opening that receives a cylinder. The cylinder is selectively rotatable in the cylinder opening about a cylinder axis, offset from the munition axis, between a plurality of firing positions. The cylinder has a plurality of propellant chambers each with a respective propellant charge. The propellant chambers are located in the cylinder so that when the cylinder is in a firing position one of the propellant chambers is on munition axis.

Abstract: A high velocity ignition system for ammunition including an casing, a primer, a payload, a first propellant region, a flash tube, a second propellant and at least one channel. The casing has a base portion and a forward portion. The primer is provided in the base portion. The payload is provided proximate the forward portion. The first propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the primer and the payload. The flash tube substantially extends between the primer and the first propellant region. The second propellant region is located in the casing intermediate the first propellant region and the base portion. The at least one channel extends between the first propellant region and the second propellant region.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas operated automatic or semi-automatic weapon that has a bolt that locks by a partial rotation of the bolt with respect to a bolt carrier, the bolt carrier in communication with a gas port on the barrel of the weapon, the method comprising utilizing the gas pressure from a cartridge received from a port in the barrel to unlock the bolt, and utilizing the expansion of a telescoping cartridge in the chamber to recycle the weapon after the bolt is unlocked. In embodiments the cartridge is a 5.56 mm cartridge. In embodiments, the propellant driving the projectile does not provide enough gas pressure to recycle the weapon and the telescoping cartridge supplements the needed power for recycling sufficient to accomplish the recycling. The invention include the telescoping cartridge providing a projectile with lethal energy and recycle capability for gas operated rifles. The subsonic cartridge may have at least 80 ft lbs of energy and operates subsonically.

Abstract: A multiple-charge cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge includes an annular casing having an interior void and a primer. A rotatable selector ring is positioned circumferentially about at least a portion of the annular casing. A cam is positioned in the interior void and includes a first charge and a second charge. The cam is coupled to the rotatable selector ring and is configured to rotate about an axis in response to a rotation of the rotatable selector ring. The cam is configured to align the first charge with the primer in response to a rotation of the rotatable selector ring to a first user-selectable position, and to align the second charge with the primer in response to a rotation of the rotatable selector ring to a second user-selectable position.

Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition, in particular grenade ammunition, is provided that includes a projectile and a propellant charge case for accommodating the projectile and a propulsion, having a high pressure chamber and a low pressure champer, wherein the projectile and the propellant charge case are fastened to one another by way of a connection. The connection includes a membrane having at least one target braking point/opening point, which opens at a predetermined pressure in the high pressure chamber of the propulsion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a propelling system for propelling projectiles with variable velocity. In one embodiment, a cartridge comprises a cartridge case, the propelling system, and the projectile attached to the cartridge case.

Abstract: A modified projectile round which is configured to function with a propellant cartridge such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,074. The projectile assembly uses a High-Low gas pressure cartridge to launch the projectile. When the high pressure cartridge is ignited, hot propellant gases rupture a burst cup and shoot propellant gases toward the aft end of the projectile. The hot propellant gases impinge against a delay carrier located in the aft end of the projectile. The contents of the delay carrier are thereby ignited. The delay carrier includes one or more delay columns ultimately terminating in an igniter charge. The delay columns burn as the projectile is in flight. A specified amount of time later, the igniter charge ignites an ignitable payload—such as a marker flare candle.

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.

Abstract: A modified projectile round which is configured to function with a propellant cartridge such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,074. The projectile assembly uses a High-Low gas pressure cartridge to launch the projectile. When the high pressure cartridge is ignited, hot propellant gases rupture a burst cup and shoot propellant gases toward the aft end of the projectile. The hot propellant gases impinge against a delay carrier located in the aft end of the projectile. The contents of the delay carrier are thereby ignited. The delay carrier includes one or more delay columns ultimately terminating in an igniter charge. The delay columns burn as the projectile is in flight. A specified amount of time later, the igniter charge ignites an ignitable payload—such as a marker flare candle.

Abstract: A modular propellant charge for semi-fixed ammunition is disclosed. The propellant charge is disposed within an ammunition cartridge canister, and permits direct access to each charge increment. Further, the propellant charge comprises at least one charge increment comprising a rigid section of a cylindrical solid of rotation, and each charge increment has a length less than the central cavity of said ammunition canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to an increment charge (4) to be placed around a tail shaft of a fin-stabilized mortar projectile (1), the increment charge (4) having a centrally located space for the tail shaft and a mounting opening in the space for mounting the increment charge (4). On the opposite side of the increment charge (4) there is provided a protrusion that fits into the mounting opening of an adjacent increment charge (4) for locking them in relation to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a propelling system for propelling projectiles with variable velocity. In one embodiment, a cartridge comprises a cartridge case, the propelling system, and the projectile attached to the cartridge case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting mechanism for a multiple-part munition (1), for example for artillery charges. It is proposed that a multiple-part munition (1) be connected by means of a simple plug connection to at least two casing elements (2) which can be connected to one another and are arranged axially one behind the other, of a propellent-charge casing (10), with the casing elements (2) having a taper (3) and/or a corresponding opening (4) on their mutually facing end faces or tail faces, and the tapers (3) and/or the inner wall’.,(7) of the openings (4) having projections (8) so that they can be connected to one another with a force fit by pushing them together.

Abstract: A housing (1; 100, 104, 102) of a cartridge for a device for firing a projectile has separate first and second chambers (10, 12; 106, 114), each of which contains a respective charge (34, 36; 108, 110, 116, 120) of propellant material. Gas produced by the detonation of one of the charges exits the first chamber to propel the projectile, whilst gas from the detonation of the second charge exist rearwardly from the device so as to counteract recoil. A one way valve may also be provided to help to achieve a high pressure difference between the chambers, where the cartridge has a common igniter assembly.

Abstract: A non-lethal ammunition utilizes dense powder ballast and a two-stage firing sequence for launching non-lethal projectiles of a caliber range from approximately 5.56 mm through approximately 40 mm. The non-lethal ammunition comprises a non-lethal cartridge. The non-lethal cartridge comprises a dense powder ballast and one or more non-lethal projectiles. The dense powder ballast is more massive than the non-lethal projectile providing sufficient payload mass to operate the weapon mechanism while launching the non-lethal projectile at velocities compatible with non-lethal applications. A two-stage ignition system fires the non-lethal ammunition and subsequently fires the more massive dense powder ballast. The firing events are separated by a time delay of less than a second. The non-lethal ammunition provides non-lethal projectile capability for semi-automatic and automatic weapons.

Abstract: The invention in general relates to various injection systems and devices that can be used, for example, in needleless injection systems for human, and for domestic and farm animals. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an injection device comprising: an injector defining a first cavity and an orifice; a movable member in the first cavity; a housing defining a second cavity proximal of the movable member; and a charge in the second cavity, the charge comprising at least two discrete materials.

Abstract: A multi-ignition cartridge and associated methods for use with a firearm are provided. The cartridge preferably includes a casing having an interior cavity which at least partially encloses at least one projectile. Chances of misfire and cold fire are substantially reduced by including in the casing a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers preferably is in fluid communication with the cavity and containing an ignitable substance to ignite a main charge in the casing to propel the projectile from the casing. The ignitable substance in a chamber is ignited by striking a strike plate that can be positioned in contact with the casing. Related methods are provided for propelling the projectile of a firearm by simultaneously increasing pressure in multiple chambers of a cartridge casing so as to ignite in at least one chamber the ignitable substance contained in each so as to ignite a main charge that propels the projectile.

Abstract: A propellant system for launching a large-caliber projectile includes a propellant having at least three partial charges. The first partial charge is adapted to acceleration requirements of the projectile; the second partial charge has a higher combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge; and the third partial charge has a lower combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge. The propellant system further includes an electric energy supply and control device connected to the propellant for igniting the propellant. The electric energy supply and control device has a plasma generator for affecting a combustion behavior of the propellant such as to obtain for said first partial charge, after ignition of the propellant, a maximum gas pressure level of always the same magnitude independently from an initial propellant temperature, and to obtain, for the third partial charge, a conversion such as to prolong the maximum gas pressure level in a predeterminable manner.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A separate explosive charge within a cartridge is detonated to initiate motion of a projectile and effect delayed ignition of a larger volume of primary propellant. Steady burning of the ignited primary propellant after motion of the projectile is initiated, continues its propulsion with a pressure/displacement profile.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge has a base and a sidewall extending from the base to a mouth. The sidewall bounds an interior of the case. A projectile is secured to the case proximate the mouth and has at least an aft portion within the case interior. A propellant charge is located in a first region of the case interior at least in part surrounding the aft portion of the projectile. A second propellant charge is carried within a second region of the case interior generally aft of the first region.

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.

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.

Abstract: Ammunition round comprising a primary cartridge (1) and a secondary cartridge (2) provided with mutually cooperable push fit connection means for connecting the two cartridges during loading. The cartridges (1, 2) incorporate sockets (10, 12) which contain and are connected by a connecting piece (14). Socket (12) includes a cavity (20) having sufficient longitudinal depth to allow some axial movement of the connecting piece (14) ensuring that strain on the connecting piece (14) during loading is minimized.

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.

Abstract: A tubeless cased telescoped ammunition is disclosed. The ammunition is ignited and a sequenced ignition is achieved. The ammunition includes a sealing coating for delaying ignition of the main propellant. A sealing ring may also be used to sequence and delay the ignition.

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.

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.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a pre-pressurizing charge and a main propellant charge. The pre-pressurizing charge is located adjacent the rear end of the projectile. The pre-pressurizing charge can burn and exert pressure on the main propellant charge without igniting the main propellant charge.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a large-caliber ammunition unit including a combustible or partially combustible propelling charge casing and compacted or partially compacted propelling charge powder, to increase internal ballistic performance. It is known to partially or completely compact or compress the propelling charge powder in a cartridge casing. However, such methods generally cannot be employed for ammunition including a combustible or at least partially combustible propelling charge casing because of the lower strength of the relatively thin-walled combustible casing material, as this would lead to deformation and/or to reduced loadability of such cartridges.

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.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having an igniter at one end thereof for igniting a propellant, a secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio greater than 2.5, and a primary propellant charge disposed between said igniter and said secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio less than 2.

Abstract: The technical aspect of the invention relates to containers for a propulsive charge in at least two parts. The container (1a-1b)) according to the invention comprises a casing (9a-9b) demarcating an internal space, in which may be positioned, in particular, a propulsive charge, and it is intended to be rigidly affixed to a second container at one of their frontal faces (10a-10b), wherein it comprises means for the conduction of electricity, intended to receive and transmit a signal emanating from the weapon, as well as connecting means for providing, after the first container has been rigidly affixed to the second container, an electrical connection between these conduction means and other conduction means in the second container. Application for tank ammunition.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having a plurality of propellant grains therein, an igniter for igniting the propellant grains, and a shock wave barrier disposed in closely spaced relation to the igniter for attenuating a shock wave emanating therefrom so as to preclude fragmentation of the propellant grains.

Abstract: A performance enhanced ammunition unit composed of a front ammunition component (1) and a rear ammunition component (2) which each include a combustible propelling charge casing (7, 12), with the rear ammunition component being filled with propelling charge powder that has been compressed into a compressed member (15). The rear ammunition component (2) has a casing bottom (13) which accommodates a bottom igniter (14) and the compressed member (15) accommodates a combustible ignition tube (16) for the propelling charge igniter (16, 17), with the combustible tube 16 being in operative engagement with the bottom igniter (14) and extending along substantially the entire axis of the bottom component. Both ammunition components (1, 2) are separated by a combustible disk (18), the front ammunition member (1) is filled in its cylindrical section (8) filled with powder rods (10) and in its section (a) ahead of the powder rods with bulk propelling charge powder (11).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a large-caliber ammunition unit including a combustible or partially combustible propelling charge casing and compacted or partially compacted propelling charge powder, to increase internal ballistic performance. It is known to partially or completely compact or compress the propelling charge powder in a cartridge casing. However, such methods generally cannot be employed for ammunition including a combustible or at least partially combustible propelling charge casing because of the lower strength of the relatively thin-walled combustible casing material, as this would lead to deformation and/or to reduced loadability of such cartridges.

Abstract: A modular propellant charge (10) composed of N propellant charge modules (1; 11-16) each having a length Lo. In order to obtain an economical, durable, easily released connection between the propellant charge modules (1; 11-16), a displaceable sleeve (6; 17-22) of a length L is axially slidably arranged on the exterior of each propellant charge module (1; 11-16) with the relationship ##EQU1## applying for the length L. The displaceable sleeves are utilized to interconnect adjacent modules.

Abstract: A multi-piece ammunition round includes an aft cartridge, a forward cartridge, and a projectile disposed in an end-to-end nested, serial arrangement. The aft and forward cartridges each contain a charge of propellant. The projectile contains a high explosive filler and a projectile fuze. The round also includes a propellant-primer electrical ignition interconnect arrangement associated with the aft and forward cartridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular containers for propellant charges. The container includes a container casing which partially defines an inner volume for a propellant charge. The container 1a of the invention that shall be rigidly assembled to another container 1b at one of its end surfaces and is characterized in that it comprises electrical connection means ensuring at least one electrical connection to the second container.