Case Patents (Class 102/464)
  • Patent number: 6532876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the efficiency of a gun cartridge by determining the water weight volume of the cartridge; determining the bore diameter of the gun barrel; determining the weight of the bullet; and calculating the efficiency rating of the cartridge by multiplying the water weight volume by the bore diameter and dividing by the bullet weight. The efficiency rating is optimal between 110 and 145 when the water weight volume is determined in grains, the bore diameter is determined in thousandths of inches and the bullet weight is determined in grains. One such 50 caliber gun cartridge has a casing diameter of approximately 0.688 inches and neck portion which accepts a bullet having a bore diameter of approximately 0.510 inches. The case has a length ranging from 1.75 inches to 2.5 inches measured from the primer to the mouth of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Henry Gene Ramirez, Gabriel A. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6523475
    Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a straight-walled portion and a radial shoulder for housing a propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses. The radial shoulder focuses a shockwave below a bullet base to reduce heat loss to the bullet and support bullet retention in the neck for a longer period of time. A thermally insulating coating is utilized to reduce heat loss to the case or chamber and accelerate ignition of the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Superior Ballistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Smalley, Jr., Michael L. McPherson
  • Patent number: 6477958
    Abstract: A device including a ring for linking a case and a projectile carrying a sealing band having a rear skirt providing low pressure sealing and a front rib lodged in a first groove in the projectile. The ring has a flared rear part connected with the case and a front part connected with the projectile by attachment means. The front part of the ring is lodged between the rear skirt of the band and the projectile and has a lip co-operating with the first groove or with a second groove in the projectile. A process for mounting the sealing band and ring to link the case and projectile includes sliding the sealing band and ring along the projectile in a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Jo{overscore (e)}l Leblond, Simon Huguenin, Nicolas Eches, Richard Roy
  • Patent number: 6354221
    Abstract: A firearm cartridge case capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 50,000 psi has two substantially cylindrical portions of significantly different diameters interconnected by a frusto-conical shoulder portion. The case has a ratio of its overall length to its diameter, at a location 1.25 inches from its base, of no more than about 4.2, giving it an unusually short, fat profile. The base of the case has a rim with an outer diameter substantially no less than the case diameter at the aforementioned location, to facilitate reliable feeding of the cartridge from the magazine. The corresponding firearm chamber which matingly accepts the cartridge is capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 65,000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Jamison
  • Patent number: 6324984
    Abstract: This low impulse payload cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, an ogive, a payload cup, a payload, and a link. The payload cup and payload is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the payload and to accelerate the payload upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the payload. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 6324983
    Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, a forward cavity/an inner bore in the piston, a sub-caliber projectile, and a link. The sub-caliber projectile is seated into the forward cavity/inner bore located in the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the sub-caliber projectile and to accelerate the sub-caliber projectile upon firing. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or another similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 6293203
    Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition suitable for firing from a self-loading sidearm comprising a cartridge adapted to fire a projectile, the cartridge case having at one end a portion of reduced diameter, the projectile being held in the said portion of reduced diameter, wherein the ratio of the external diameter of the cartridge case at its widest point to the external diameter of the projectile at its widest point is such that when the projectile is fired into a target high velocity wounding is caused. The invention also relates to a gun barrel for a self-loading sidearm through which the ammunition can be shot, and a self-loading sidearm comprising such a barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: William Rogers Henry Alexander, Trevor Joe Barraclough
  • Patent number: 6240850
    Abstract: An improved bullet featuring a large, heavy non-aerodynamically shaped projectile that is to be used in short range life or death situations. This projectile and cartridge would be used in large game applications where the intent is not to fire unless in imminent danger. The projectile and cartridge combination of this invention would cause immediate destruction and transfer energy rapidly. The projectile is shaped to increase aerodynamic resistance by redirecting the displaced air into its preferred path. The large cross section and short body height further limit aerodynamic ability. The casing is machined from solid stock to provide a stronger more stable enclosure. This large diameter personal defense bullet uses a soft projectile body of high mass and improved shape, in conjunction with a high capacity casing of one piece precision machined construction to deliver maximum stopping power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher A. Holler
  • Patent number: 6178889
    Abstract: A low impulse telescoping cartridge includes a case, a piston, a projectile, and a link. The projectile is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the projectile and to accelerate the projectile upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the projectile. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provide a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank Dindl
  • Patent number: 6161482
    Abstract: The present invention is a multidisk shell and wad for use in a multidisk shell. The wad consists of a wad base, a cushioning section attached at a first end to a top section of the wad base, and at least three alignment arms attached to a second end of the cushioning section. The cushioning section is interposed between the projectile mass and the wad base. The preferred cushioning section comprises a hollow outer cylinder and at least one inner cylinder of polymeric plastic material. Thus, there are at least two concentric cylinders providing the cushioning between the disks and the expanding propellant charge. These at least two concentric cylinders and are attached at first ends to the top side of the wad base. The wad has at least three spatially separated alignment arms having proximal ends and distal ends for maintaining the alignment of projectiles as they travel through the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: George D. Clark
  • Patent number: 6038978
    Abstract: A shotshell having a hull with a protective barrier layer of fiber or other alternate material that prevents the hull from being in contact with the chamber. The protective layer may cover any portion of the exterior of the hull. The protective layer protects the plastic hull from the hot chamber of the barrel that would adversely affect the structural integrity or functioning of the shotshell. The protective material may be of precut size and thickness that when applied to the exterior of the hull will increase the diameter to reduce the clearance with the chamber and thereby resist sliding out of the chamber before the breech is closed. The protective layer may also have an adhesive surface disposed between the exterior surface of the hull and the protective layer to prevent the separation of the hull and the protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Ward Harris, Scott Hayward Mayfield
  • Patent number: 5979331
    Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm includes a cavity at the rear end with an inwardly extending flange. The cartridge includes a cylindrical member having a first end for receiving a bullet and a second end defining a second end wall having an aperture. The second end of the cylindrical member includes a flange portion and defines a cavity with an inwardly extending flange around the circumference of an outer end of the cavity. The flange has an inwardly angled surface which is at an angle sufficient to allow an extractor member, associated with a firearm, to engage the cavity behind the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Richard J. Casull
  • Patent number: 5970879
    Abstract: A firearm cartridge case capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 50,000 psi has two substantially cylindrical portions of significantly different diameters interconnected by a frusto-conical shoulder portion. The case has a ratio of its overall length to its diameter, at a location 1.25 inches from its base, of no more than about 4.2, giving it an unusually short, fat profile. The base of the case has a rim with an outer diameter substantially no less than the case diameter at the aforementioned location, to facilitate reliable feeding of the cartridge from the magazine. The corresponding firearm chamber which matingly accepts the cartridge is capable of withstanding internal gas pressures of at least about 65,000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: John R. Jamison
  • Patent number: 5841063
    Abstract: A cartridge case for service ammunition is designed to reduce the damage effect on the environment in the event of an extreme pressure increase in the propellent powder forming part of the charged ammunition, upon accidental ignition of the propellent powder and to a method for reduction of the damage. The cartridge case comprises at least one longitudinal weakening in the case material, the weakening being designed in such a manner that the case material, when the case is supported by the cartridge chamber of the weapon during the combustion of the powder, withstands stresses from the internal gas pressure, but breaks under the same gas pressure if the propellent powder is ignited when the case is located outside the cartridge chamber, thus splitting open along the weakening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventors: Dan Hellkvist, Erik Loinder
  • Patent number: 5822904
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge for producing subsonic flight of a projectile therefrom at substantially all angles of fire relative to the horizontal, including an elongated, generally cylindrical case including a closed end containing a primer therein, a body portion suitable for the receipt of a quantity of gunpowder therein, and an open end suitable for receiving an elongated projectile therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Cove Corporation
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Patent number: 5763820
    Abstract: A wrapped gas generant cartridge is incorporated in an inflator of a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas generant cartridge includes a stacked, aligned plurality of substantially flat annular wafers of gas generant material having a central opening therethrough. A wrap of sheet material surrounds the plurality of wafers and has marginal end panels folded along the end surfaces of the plurality of wafers, leaving at least one end opening exposed for receiving an ignition tube of the inflator. The wrap of sheet material is selected from metal foil, expanded metal, cellulose, thermoplastics, including polyolefin shrink wrap, with tape, adhesive or adhesive laminates holding the wrap in position. The gas generant cartridge is received in a filter and screen pack within the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Autiliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Philpot, David W. Lindsey, Scott A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5714710
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventor: Graham Richard Roach
  • Patent number: 5677505
    Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston operates by thrusting off the inner end wall of the firearm chamber in which the cartridge is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5507232
    Abstract: There is provided a single piece brass cartridge casing having improved deep drawing capability. The inner bore of the cartridge casing has a plurality of linear portions separated by at least two inflection points. A gradual change in the slope of the interior wall at each inflection point minimizes fracture at the inflection points during deep drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony F. Valdez
  • Patent number: 5492063
    Abstract: A two part cartridge has a rearwardly recoiling inner piston and a choked orifice at its forward end to develop a blow-back thrust that will cycle a recoil operated automatic firearm. The piston itself may serve to contain propellant and preferably contains all propellant within the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignees: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc., Les Technologies Industrielles SNC
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5463959
    Abstract: With the aim of providing a 6.5 caliber cartridge for rifles having a casing which is suitable for both light and heavy projectiles without impairing accuracy and which results in an increase in the efficiency of the propellant charge, a reduction in the stress on the barrel and breech of the weapon, and the production of shorter and hence lighter weapons, as well as in an increase in the service life of the reloadable casing, a cartridge is proposed which has a reduced length of the virtually cylindrical region of the casing between the casing base and the transition into the casing neck as well as by an extremely flat transition into the casing neck has been developed along with a suitable cartridge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas Kramer
  • Patent number: 5433148
    Abstract: A casing includes a cylindrical envelope made of plastic material having a plug of plastic material at each end fitted with a metal reinforcement. The reinforcement is integral with the front plug and includes a ring that has a peripheral cylindrical part and an external edge that entirely covers a top end of the plug, which projects from the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Bruno Barratault, Michel Baubois, Roland Boual
  • Patent number: 5388522
    Abstract: A cartridge case for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. The cartridge case includes a hollow cylindrical casing 12 the axis 15 of which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10. The inner surface of casing 12 has a longitudinal groove 48 formed in it along which groove 48 casing 12 splits when round 10 is fired. A rear seal 16 closes the rear end of casing 12 and a front seal 18 closes the front end of casing 12. A hollow cylindrical control tube 20 which includes a control portion 22 and a sleeve portion 24 is secured to seals 16, 18 so that control tube 20 is symmetric with axis 15. A spring 26 interconnects control portion 22 and sleeve portion 24 of control tube 20 and applys a force substantially parallel to axis 14 to seals 16, 18 to move seals 16, 18 toward each other to minimize the distance between seals 16, 18 after the round is fired and to confine the casing between seals 16, 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 5388499
    Abstract: A cartridge (24) for explosively operated industrial tools is disclosed. The tool (10) is of the type that has a piercer pin (46) that pierces through a surface of the cartridge during assembly of the cartridge within the tool. Then, upon firing of the cartridge, the residual gases (72) formed by the explosion are vented to the atmosphere by moving the piercer pin out of the pierced opening (70). The present cartridge includes a depression (64) in a surface of the base (62) that is in alignment with the piercer pin. There is a relatively thin section (66) of the base left at the bottom of the depression. The thin section is sized so that when it is unsupported, as for example when a defective piercer pin is used, it will fracture under the forces of the exploding powder (38) and the residual gases formed by the explosion will be vented through the fracture and into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Janusz Szyndlar
  • Patent number: 5359937
    Abstract: A cartridge 10 for low-mass, frangible projectiles 60 comprises a cartridge ase 12 having a primer 14 at its base and a sabot 30 or piston 30 at its mouth. The piston 30 can be provided with longitudinal orifices 44, diagonal orifices, 44a, grooves 64 or any combination of orifices and grooves. The projectile 60 is inserted into a cylindrical recess 46 in the front portion of the sabot 30. The orifices 44 are in communication with this recess 46 to permit propellant gas to bleed through and accelerate the projectile 60 upon ignition. The case 12 and the sabot 30 can be provided respectively with a crimp 24 and a stepped portion 48 in order to limit travel of the sabot 30 out of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc./Les Technologies Industrielles SNC Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Dittrich
  • Patent number: 5333551
    Abstract: A drive member for the projectile head of a large caliber, multi-purpose cartridge or a multi-purpose training cartridge, wherein a threaded connection is provided for the form-locking connection between the drive member and the projectile head. In order to give such multi-purpose cartridges or corresponding multi-purpose training cartridges a modular configuration, with their assembly taking place only at their location of use, the drive member is provided with radial bores that start at its outer edge or periphery at its end facing the projectile head. Before joining the projectile head and the drive member, a holding and clamping device is then introduced into these bores so as to securely hold the drive member when the respective projectile head is screwed to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Jurgen Bocker, Ulf Hahn
  • Patent number: 5297491
    Abstract: A casing bottom or stub casing for a propelling charge casing whose base plate (1) has an exterior or outer surface which is curved inwardly in an annular region (7) so that the casing bottom is able to sufficiently axially expand under the high gas pressure developing during firing without requiring the use of a high strength material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Gisbert Bartsch, Monika Wildau, Jurgen Meyer
  • Patent number: 5295428
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of disassembling large-caliber combat cartridges, particularly armor-piercing cartridges, including a combustible casing jacket that conically widens in the direction of the projectile, a casing bottom and a casing cover to which is fastened a sub-caliber projectile equipped with a propelling sabot.To be able, on the one hand, to reduce expenditures for the disassembly of such combat cartridges and, on the other hand, to reuse a major portion of the original combat cartridges for the production of corresponding training cartridges, it is proposed to separate the casing jacket as well as the casing cover starting at their outer circumference, in regions having approximately the same, predetermined diameter D1. This diameter D1 here corresponds to the maximum diameter of the component of the new cartridge to be produced later from the disassembled components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Klaus Unterstein, Walter Simon, Dieter Jungbluth
  • Patent number: 5277119
    Abstract: The present invention shows an improved 9 mm cartridge casing having greater strength and reliability. This cartridge casing is a substantially hollow cylinder of a suitable metallic material with a length of about nine hundred thousandths of an inch (0.900 in.). The casing is unique in that its external dimensions include a first end portion having an outer diameter of from about three hundred ninety-two thousandths of an inch (0.392 in.) to about four hundred one thousandths of an inch (0.401).The casing also has an opposite end portion with an outer wall which uniformly decreases in diameter from a diameter of from about three hundred ninety-two thousandths (0.392 in.) to about four hundred and one thousandths of an inch (0.401 in.). to an diameter of about three hundred eighty thousandths of an inch (0.380 in.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: John A. Ricco, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5272983
    Abstract: A casing bottom for a propelling charge including a circular ring shaped (annular) base plate (1) which accommodates a centrally arranged primer sleeve (7) in a form-locking manner. In order to be able to unload ammunition, particularly two-part ammunition including sub-caliber projectiles, the rear surface of the primer sleeve is provided with a recess for form-fittingly receiving an extractor. Preferably the recess is of a size which can be accommodated on a sub-caliber projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Gisbert Bartsch, Egon Gampe, Wilfried Becker
  • Patent number: 5187324
    Abstract: The present invention shows an improved 9mm cartridge casing having greater strength and reliability. This cartridge casing is a substantially hollow cylinder of a suitable metallic material with a length of about nine hundred thousandths of an inch (0.900 in.). The casing is unique in that its external dimensions include a first end portion having an outer diameter of about three hundred ninety-eight thousandths of an inch (0.398 in.).The casing also has an opposite end portion extending for the remaining length of said casing, with an outer wall which uniformly decreases in diameter from about a diameter of from about three hundred ninety-eight thousandths of an inch (0.398 in.) to a diameter of about three hundred eighty thousandths of an inch (0.380 in.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: John A. Ricco, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5179250
    Abstract: The cartridge assembly of the present invention comprises two or more combustible cartridge case segments, the front of which is fastened to the projectile assembly and the rear of which contains a primer assembly and a charge of propellant. The two segments are automatically joined together during loading into a gun chamber via velcro rings at a butted interface between the segments. Extending axially throughout each of the segments is a distributed plurality of flexible combustible ignition strands which, when ignited, propagate the ignition flame front at an extremely high rate, on the order of between 3 to 6 thousand feet per second, ensuring virtually simultaneous ignition of the propellant in each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph F. Campoli
  • Patent number: 5165040
    Abstract: A pre-stressed cartridge of the invention generally comprises a cylindrical liner wrapped with a plurality of layers of wound fibers or high tensile wires. These high tension wrapped windings put the walls of the cartridge liner into compression, thus pre-stressing the cylindrical liner. A cartridge constructed in this fashion may develop an ultimate strength in the circumferential direction which approaches ten times the ultimate strength of a typical solid metal cylinder alone. Special reinforcing elements may also be provided, located at the points where the maximum stress is developed upon detonation. Various modifications of this structure include fabricating the liner out of ceramic instead of aluminum, incorporating a steel cup containing the explosive at the base of the internal space of the cartridge, and combining the composite windings with the steel cup to provide a cartridge consisting of a steel cup with the rest of the cartridge being composite fiber windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corp., Air Defense Systems Division
    Inventors: Norman H. Andersson, S. D. Mack, Edward W. LaRocca, deceased
  • Patent number: 5162604
    Abstract: A cartridge case assembly suitable for use in recoilless weapon systems iuding large caliber weapons is provided which includes an elongated cylindrically shaped inner cartridge case having a plurality of spaced perforations substantially about the periphery of the case wall and opposite open ends; an elongated cylindrically shaped shell member mounted about the inner cartridge case to envelope the periphery thereof and provide an annular propellant charge chamber therebetween, the shell member being of sufficient strength to constrain the passage of propellant gases outwardly from about the wall of the cartridge case upon ignition of a propellant charge within said propellant charge chamber; and a plurality of spaced elongated ignitor tubes associated with said cartridge case along the length thereof, each of ignitor tubes having a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough for distribution of ignition gases to the propellant charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David Wilson
  • Patent number: 5094169
    Abstract: A cartridge which will produce Magnum velocities for projectiles fired by standard auto pistols, revolvers, submachine guns, or single shot firearms. This cartridge case design provides significant structural strength in the casehead web area, unlike standard straight wall cartridges, which allows increased magnum loads without casehead anomalies, ruptures and bulging. Existing auto pistol cartridge case designs have external straight wall configurations from the case mouth to the rear base rim. Existing designs also have rimless type caseheads, and bevel groove cut into the casehead wall for extraction following firing. They also exhibit nominal to thin casehead web thickness. This innovation, on the other hand, utilizes a unique thicker bevel belted casehead web, located above the extractor groove cut. The casehead expands outward on a bevel slant of about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: James E. Evitts
  • Patent number: 5090323
    Abstract: A containment bag has two sections. A forward section with one end secured positively in the sabot-obturator interface region during the assembly of the sabot, obturator, projectile and casing adapter. The other end of the forward section has a circumferential securing band, for example a band of loops of the type marketed under the trademark Velcro. An aft bag section is secured to the cartridge casing at one end in a conventional manner and the other end has a circumferential securing band; Velcro hooks for example. The bands join the two sections of the bag together when the cartridge casing is brought into position to be bonded to the cartridge adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: 501 Alliant Techsytems Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Kallevig, James L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5069137
    Abstract: A cartridge case 64 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 64 includes a casing 12 having inwardly tapering conical end portions 14, 16 and end seals 20, 22 which undergo elastic deformation when round 10 is fired from a gun. A plurality of spring fingers 62 are formed on portions 14, 16. Conical portions 14, 16 fit into seals 20, 22. Casing 12 is secured to seals 20, 22 by the tips 66 of spring fingers 62 fitting into catch grooves 56, 56' of seals 20, 22. A control tube 24 is secured to rear seal 20 and a primer 30 is mounted in control tube 24. Projectile 26 is mounted within round 10 with its piston 28 located within control tube 24. Main propellant charge 36 is positioned around control tube 24 and round 26. A booster charge 32 is positioned with control tube 24. Axial growth of casing 12 compresses spring fingers 62 retract end seals 20, 22 after firing. Radial expansion of cartridge case 64 is accommodated by elastic deformation of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 5067407
    Abstract: A cartridge case 68 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 68 includes a spirally wrapped hollow cylindrical casing 12 fabricated from a thin sheet of spring tempered high carbon steel which partially unwinds at the time round 10 is fired from a gun, a rear seal 16, and a front seal 18. A control tube 20 is secured to rear seal 16 and a primer 26 is mounted in communication with the interior of control tube 20. Casing 12 has an axis of symmetry 14 which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10, and control tube 20. Seals 16, 18 each have side walls 42, 42' in which crimp grooves 50, 50' are formed. Each crimp groove includes a cam surface 52, 52. Rear and front portions 62, 64 of casing 12 are crimped into grooves 50, 50'. A projectile 22 provided with a booster piston 24 is mounted within round 10 with piston 24 being located within control tube 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 5067408
    Abstract: A cartridge case 68 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 68 includes a hollow cylindrical casing 12 fabricated from a material which undergoes elastic deformation when round 10 is fired from a gun, a rear seal 20 and a front seal 22. A control tube is secured to rear seal 20 and a primer is mounted to be in communication with the interior of control tube 24. Casing 12 has an axis of symmetry 18 which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10, and control tube 24. Seals 20, 22 each have side walls 48, 48' in which crimp grooves 56, 56' are formed. Each crimp groove includes a cam surface 58, 58'. Rear and front portions 14, 16 of casing 12 are crimped into grooves 58, 58'. A projectile 26 provided with a booster piston 28 is mounted within round 10 with piston 28 being located within control tube 24. The main propellant charge 38 is positioned around control tube 24 and round 26, and a booster charge is positioned with control tube 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 5063852
    Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition round 10 for a fin stabilized penetrator 32. A full caliber control tube 24 is positioned within casing 12, its forward end 28 being secured to front seal 22. The side walls 87 of control tube 24 are tapered, increasing in thickness from the free standing aft end 26 of control tube 24 to its forward end 28. Penetrator 32 and sabot 36 are positioned within control tube 24 with obturator band 46 and retaining groove 36 of aft bourrelet 36 positioned within control tube 24. Retaining groove 52 at the aft end of control tube 24 with split ring 50 and retaining groove 48 of aft bourrelet 36 retain sabot 34 and penetrator 32 within control tube 24 until round 10 is fired. Tapered side walls 87 minimize the volume of control tube 24 while assuring that side walls 87 are strong enough to withstand forces acting on control tube 24 forward of obturator band 46 when round 10 is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: J. Bruce Warren
  • Patent number: 5048423
    Abstract: A cartridge case for a telescoped ammunition round has a generally tubular case wall and an axially extending elongate score line in said wall to provide pressure relief during firing of the round. The elongate score line has a radial depth less than the radial thickness of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Loral Aerospace Corp.
    Inventor: Harold E. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5046428
    Abstract: The case of a composite propellent charge cartridge exhibits cracks, after shooting, at the sharp transition of the extractor rim. This has a disadvantageous effect on the number of possible reloadings. The present case permits frequent reloading with little reconditioning. A rotationally symmetrical molding is placed on the case, and at least partially forms the extractor rim. The surface of the case that is in contact with the molding is rounded and smoothed at least at highly stressed points. The reusable cartridge case, with the molding, is suitable for composite propellent charge cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Hubner Gummi-und Kunststoff GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst D. Jungblut, Werner Knopf, Gerald Rotter
  • Patent number: 5029530
    Abstract: A cartridge case 76 for a cased telescoped ammunition round 10. Cartridge case 76 includes a hollow cylindrical outer casing 12 the axis 18 of which is also the axis of symmetry of round 10. The inner surface of outer casing 12 has a longitudinal groove 50 formed in it along which groove 48 outer casing 12 splits when round 10 is fired. A front seal 20 closes the front end of casing 12 and a rear seal 22 closes the rear end of casing 12. A hollow cylindrical control tube 24 is secured to rear seal 22 so that control tube 24 is symmetric with axis 18. Three bolts 52, 53, 54 which are made of a material having a yield strength greater than the maximum stress to which the bolts 52, 53, 54 are subjected when round 10 is fired interconnect front and rear seals 20, 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 5016536
    Abstract: A practice round and firearm system wherein the round [10] includes a casing [11] forming a cavity [16] to receive a movable insert [20]. The insert forms a recess holding a projectile [30] and by detonation of a primer cap [36], the resulting expanding gases propel the insert and projectile forward toward the barrel passage until the insert strikes the chamber forward wall [46 to allow the projectile to continue through the barrel passage. The casing and insert thereafter move rearward with the slide [50 for automatic extraction of the spent casing from the chamber [44].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Rainier International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Brighton
  • Patent number: 5000093
    Abstract: A method for producing an energistic porous warhead casing comprises the steps of mixing aluminum and magnesium powders in an Al:Mg weight ratio from about 22:78 to about 28:72, isostatically pressing said powders to form a preform of appropriate shape and with a density from about 20 to about 40 percent of the theoretical density, and heating said preform in an inert atmosphere at a temperature from 350 C to about 425 C until the density reaches 60 to 70 percent of the theoretical density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alexander G. Rozner, William S. Filler
  • Patent number: 4986186
    Abstract: A notched cartridge or casing is provided to mitigate the shock damage to a gun barrel or firing chamber when a cartridge with large amounts of explosive or propellant is fired. The cartridge or casing comprising a generally cylindrical shell with an open top end and a closed base is provided with an annular area near the base and a circular area on the base which have reduced wall thicknesses compared to the rest of the cartridge. The annular and circular areas have external surfaces which are inwardly displaced with respect to the outer surface of the remainder of the cartridge. Upon firing of the cartridge, the areas of reduced wall thickness expand outwardly and are plastically deformed without touching the barrel or firing chamber. Damage to the barrel and/or breech is prevented and the cartridge is easily removed for reloading of the gun system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Air Defense Systems Division, Pomona Facility
    Inventors: Edward W. LaRocca, Norman H. Andersson
  • Patent number: 4938145
    Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case. The case is composed of a skin tube and end caps on opposite ends of the tube. The case defines a chamber that contains the propellant charge. The charge has an axial bore containing a control tube at least at an aft portion of the bore. The control tube is attached at least at its aft end to the aft one of the case end caps. A projectile is housed within a forward portion of the axial bore of the propellant charge, and a primer is disposed within an aft portion of the control tube. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile forwardly from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Wilford E. Martwick
  • Patent number: 4907510
    Abstract: A cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case and having an axial bore containing a center sleeve attached at its opposite ends to the opposite ends of the case. A projectile is housed within a forward portion of the center sleeve and a primer within an aft portion thereof. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile. Features are provided to ensure dimensional recovery of the tubular case after firing of the projectile. One feature relates to the center tube being composed of a material which provides sufficient elasticity to stretch and contract uniformly from and to dimensions allowing ejection of the tubular case from the gun chamber. Another feature relates to longitudinal structural members provided to extend between and fasten to opposite ends of the case, and spaced circumferentially about and between the center sleeve and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Wilford E. Martwick, Brian B. Tasson
  • Patent number: 4899660
    Abstract: A practice round [10] for use in firearms including a casing [11] holding a projectile [16]. A standard primer cap [20] is detonated to propel the projectile forward. A vent hole [40] in the casing limits the pressure buildup in the casing cavity [17].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Rainier International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Brighton
  • Patent number: 4846069
    Abstract: An improved cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case and having an axial bore. The case is composed of a skin tube and forward and aft end caps on opposite ends of the tube. The case defines a chamber that contains the propellant charge. Separate forward and aft tubes are disposed in the case extending at least partially through the axial bore of the propellant charge from respective forward and aft ends of the bore. The separate tubes are attached respectively to the forward and aft end caps of the case. A projectile is housed within the separate tubes and the axial bore of the propellant charge, and a primer is disposed within an aft end of the aft tube. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile forwardly from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Brian B. Tasson, J. Bruce Warren