Shells Patents (Class 102/473)
  • Patent number: 5056405
    Abstract: A solid propellant to inhibitor bonding system for use in replaceable prolant grain assemblies is used with an inhibitor sleeve that has one end attached to an end closure having interior insulation, made of the same rubber insulation material as the inhibitor, and forming a cylindrical cavity for receiving a poured propellant mix. The bonding system is employed prior to pouring the propellant mix. This bonding system involves cleaning the interior surface of the cavity with freon solvent and brush applying a barrier coat, comprising an epoxy resin with amine curing agents, to the interior surface of the cleaned inhibitor. The barrier coat is then cured and a liner is then brush coated onto the cured interior surface of the barrier coat. The liner is then cured and the propellant is then cast into the cavity formed by the lined inhibitor sleeve and insulated closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Thomas F. Davidson, Evester Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5054399
    Abstract: An ordnance or munition casing is described which comprises a hollow outer casing having a shock attenuating inner liner made from successive layers of material of inwardly decreasing acoustic impedance. The inner liner reduces the sensitivity of the munition to sympathetic detonation and cookoff. Also described is an attenuation barrier made from a layer or layers of less detonation sensitive explosive material. The layers of less detonation sensitive material are preferably arranged in successive layers of outwardly decreasing detonation sensitivity. The same layers may combine sequenced acoustic impedance and detonation sensitivity. The layers may be made of material compounded with flaked or granular materials to provide preselected acoustic impedances. A coating for desensitizing the outer surface layer of a main explosive charge is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Andrew G. Bilek, Joseph C. Foster, Jr., Thomas G. Floyd
  • Patent number: 5033388
    Abstract: In projectile bases (20) for carrier projectiles which are equipped with a cavity (26) on the side facing away from the projectile tail for, for example, a parachute, it may happen that the base plate (23) is axially bent through during firing. This causes the base body (22) to be radially constricted and contact is lost between the rotating band (27) disposed on the body (22) and the gun tube, frequently resulting in a gas breakthrough. To avoid the above-mentioned radial constriction in the region of the rotating band, the projectile base (20) is provided with a base plate (23) which is curved toward the tail of the projectile. The curved configuration of the base plate (23) makes it possible to produce radial widening in the rear projectile base region during firing so as to ensure gas tightness and spin transmission from the rotating band (27) even at high gas pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Klaus D. Karius, Michael Primus
  • Patent number: 5020439
    Abstract: A baseplug for a target-penetrating projectile containing an explosive in which the baseplug is fabricated in two components each preferably fabricated from a powdered pyrophoric material. The powdered pyrophoric material may be zirconium or titanium or alloys thereof which is charged with hydrogen which upon burning of the baseplug is released to increase the fine start capability of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Winter, Deepak Mahulikar, Frank N. Mandigo
  • Patent number: 5009167
    Abstract: A high-explosive projectile including a projectile body having a forward region and a tail region which transitions to a base, with an explosive charge disposed within the body and detonated by a suitable fuse, and a driving band disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the projectile body in the tail region, wherein the wall thickness of the tail region of the projectile body is substantially the same as the wall thickness of the forward region of the projectile body; the tail region of the projectile body has a cylindrical shape up to its transition to the base and forms a circumferential edge at the transition; and the rearward, gas pressure receiving side of the driving band is disposed adjacent the circumferential edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Sippel, Heinz-Josef Kruse, Wilfried Becker
  • Patent number: 5007347
    Abstract: A mechanism for upgrading a missile to be effective against reactive armor. The invention includes an adaptor (11) for mounting a probe module (10) with a warhead (13). The probe module has a charge in its extensible tip. A faring (12) over the five inch warhead reestablishes the aerodynamics of the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Sidney R. Greene
  • Patent number: 5000094
    Abstract: A shotgun cartridge (1) has an armour piercing shell (11) which includes a main charge (17) arranged to be detonated or exploded by direct percussion of a primer (12). The cartridge (1) includes a bore safe cylindrical arming device (16) integrally formed with the obturator (6), which interrupts the detonation process after detonation of the primer (12). The arming device (16) is arranged to separate from the shell, to arm the shell, after firing of the shell (11) from the barrel of a gun, and the shell (11) includes an open base or rear portion to prevent shrapnel being thrown to the rear on detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Leroy J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4991513
    Abstract: The invention is a carrier projectile 10 having a safety venting system wh prevents expulsion of the projectile cargo during accidental or inadvertent initiation of the expulsion charge 21. The venting system comprises a collar which closes vent holes when the projectile is fired. The normal activation sequence of the carrier projectile is firing to a predetermined range or time, activation of the expulsion charge thereby bursting open the carrier shell, and dispensing of the cargo. The venting system incorporated into the present invention precludes bursting of the carrier shell, even if the activation of the expulsion charge occurs, unless the vents have been closed by the actual firing of the projectile. The venting system provides a safety feature in the event that the projectile is subjected to fire or other thermal stress and in the event of a hot gun misfire the collar is operated by either angular acceleration or longitudinal acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Malamas, Harvey M. Day
  • Patent number: 4964341
    Abstract: An extendible probe projectile and an extendible probe assembly therefor, in which the extendible probe reduces drag on the projectile in its extended position and is moved to its extended locked drag-reducing position by ram air action which is converted into a forwardly acting force on the probe during forward motion of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Hebert
  • Patent number: 4955938
    Abstract: Ammunition preferaqbly for use in high-angle fire to be fired from a cannon suitable for flat trajectory ammunition and with direct participation of the cannon barrel, the ammunition being made of one piece as an ammunition unit having the same outer dimensions as a comparable ammunition unit which is intended to be fired from the same cannon exclusively with an essentially flat trajectory, the ammunition unit including a propellant charge and a payload projectile having a rear portion occupying a region corresponding to that occupied by a portion of the propellant charge of the comparable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Romer, Wilfried Becker, Bernhard Bisping
  • Patent number: 4945834
    Abstract: An explosive projectile comprises a casing, having a neck shaped portion adjacent to the opening, a female screw thread being formed in the internal wall of the neck shaped portion, and a region of increased average internal diameter in its inner wall beyond the screw thread, a charge of high explosive material partially filling the space inside the casing, and a case located between the charge and the neck shaped portion the case defining a detonation device cavity, the case being made of a malleable material and being swaged into the neck shaped portion and into part of the region of the internal wall of the casing which has an increased average internal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance plc
    Inventor: Frederick M. Young
  • Patent number: 4922827
    Abstract: A ballistic missile about to re-enter the atmosphere is destroyed by explosively dispersing for large quantities of inherently-light C.sub.60 molecules in clouds in the path of the missile. The sharp edges of the molecules scar the missile and subject it to destruction from the heat or re-entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Quantametrics Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Remo
  • Patent number: 4890556
    Abstract: An ammunition housing or casing including a cover portion for the closing off of an explosives chamber, and which includes a booster charge and a mechanical safe-and-arm device. The cover portion is constituted of a cover plate and a bracket unit which is integrally formed thereon, on which bracket unit there is provided a clamping device opposite the cover plate, wherein the closure plate is provided with a cutout or breakthrough which is overlapped by the bracket unit, which forms a receiving space for the booster charge, and wherein the mechanical safe-and-arm device is installed beneath the bracket unit, and the safe-and-arm device is pressed against the cover plate by the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Roland Ottmann, Wolfgang von Entress-Fursteneck
  • Patent number: 4885994
    Abstract: A metal cup encloses layers of armoring material to enhance the penetration esistance of a guided missile warhead to mechanical countermeasures. A layer of ceramic material is inserted in the cup followed by the insertion of at least one pair of layers consisting of a layer of metal backed by a layer of polymethylmethacrylate. The metal cup is attached to the forward end of a missile warhead section and the exterior of the cup is conformal with respect to the exterior of the warhead section. The layered materials act to blunt or break incoming projectiles, absorb their kinetic energy, and prevent their penetration into the interior of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Marvin E. Backman, Stephen A. Finnegan, Kent G. Whitman, Robert G. S. Sewell
  • Patent number: 4860659
    Abstract: The tubular shell comprises: a casing having a fuse-carrying forward portion, a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion formed with an inside undercut delimited by a rear shoulder and a front shoulder, and a tapered rear portion; a base plug received in the rear portion; at least three pre-formed, rigid segments of a cylindrical liner, received in the undercut so that they abut both shoulders, each segment being of a cross-section smaller than the aperture of the casing in its rear portion. The backs of the segments are relieved to provide desired weight and/or other inertial properties. A narrow wedge is used as a final restraining segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Simmel Difesa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Andreetta
  • Patent number: 4809613
    Abstract: A casing for an explosive charge, especially for an article of submunition, including a covered pouring opening arranged on a damming bottom for the casing, through which an explosive charge is poured into the casing. A plate or disc member for the pouring opening is formed on a closure cover, which disc member lies tightly within the pouring opening and extends deeply into the latter; and wherein an annular rim extending over the pouring opening is formed on the closure cover, including axially open annular groove encompassing the disc member, into which there engages an annular projection of the damming bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang von Entress-Fursteneck, Ulrich Schleicher, Bernd Konik
  • Patent number: 4781117
    Abstract: An improved fragmentable warhead of modular construction for a missile and he like, that is generally made up of an intermediate warhead missile section and an explosive cartridge. The cartridge is selectively removable from the missile section thereby permitting the missile to be without an explosive charge until the missile is ready for tactical use. Moreover, the cartridge is of composite construction such that the outer shell of the cartridge is advantageously composed of an admixture of a suitable resin and a graphite material. By reason of this admixture the shell is not only of thin wall construction and of sufficient strength for handling the cartridge during storage and assembly, but also has sufficient electric characteristics so that the cartridge will not have electrostatic buildup that would detonate its explosive during handling and storage of the cartridge prior to assembly to a missile section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles R. Garnett, William M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 4771696
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a large caliber, thinwall, cargo carrying, spin stabilized projectile of a type in which cargo is keyed to a projectile base member in order to preclude relative rotation between cargo and projectile during in-bore travel. In particular, the disclosure is directed toward an improved base closure method for the projectile including a method for transmitting in-bore torque through a base closure joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: John Smolnik
  • Patent number: 4768440
    Abstract: A warhead for a guided missile initiated by a proximity fuse, for use against high speed high altitude targets, comprises a fragmentation casing, an outer explosive charge contained in the casing and having a detonator and an inner explosive charge radially separated from the outer charge by an empty space. The inner charge has a detonator and is so arranged that the outer charge is detonated by the shockwave travelling through the radial space. On the other hand, the inner charge does not detonate following explosion of the outer charge. The charges are so shaped that the fragments from the casing are distributed as a radially directed isotopic shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Matra
    Inventors: Pierre Deneuville, Ellio Perez
  • Patent number: 4765566
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reducing the spread of hit pattern for a rotationally-stabilized ammunition unit such as a projectile, which is discharged in a ballistic trajectory from an artillery piece towards a target which is to be combated including dynamic balancing of the shell (1) to reduce the effect of the air resistance between different shells, and increase hit probability. The inclination between the main axis of inertia of the shell and the geometric axis of the shell case are measured, whereafter these axes are set in parallel in that an adjustment weight (2) is mounted on one side of the point of gravity of the shell seen in its longitudinal direction. The adjustment weight (2) preferably consists of a disk or washer provided with an eccentric recess (4) for suitable weight and mass eccentricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventors: Jan-Olov Fixell, Thomas Gustafsson, Gosta Hogberg, Stig Engfors, Kjell Albrektsson, Arne Franzen
  • Patent number: 4760794
    Abstract: An explosive small arms projectile is disclosed. Prior art projectiles of this kind include a lead core for increased mass which core is formed with a blind hole for receiving an explosive and the necessary detonating device.The projectile of the invention comprises a jacket (102) of a metal with a specific gravity in excess of 13, Tantalum or a Tantalum/Tungsten alloy being preferred. The entire interior of the jacket is left free for the explosive charge; the jacket (102) has increased mechanical, structural and tensile characteristics over prior art projectiles and the projectile has better rotational ballistic stability in use due to the redistribution of the mass thereof to the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventor: Norman Allen
  • Patent number: 4760795
    Abstract: An explosive projectile comprises a projectile casing, a high explosive charge filling a portion of the space inside the casing, an impervious case defining a detonation device cavity adjacent to a surface of the explosive charge, and located adjacent to the said surface of the explosive charge between the inside wall of the projectile casing and the impervious case, a pre-formed solid elastic sealant ring such that the seal effected by the sealant ring between the projectile casing and the impervious case is tightened if the pressure on the sealant ring from the material of the explosive charge increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance plc
    Inventor: Frederick M. Young
  • Patent number: 4759292
    Abstract: A spin stabilized payload projectile 10, in order to separate a projectile base connected with projectile body 11 and to eject a payload 13, is provided with an ejection charge 15 in its nose region, with such ejection charge being activated with a certain delay by a nose fuze 14. To prevent damage to the nose fuze 14 by the gas pressure generated by ejection charge 15, a pressure reducing element 20 is disposed between nose fuze 14 and the ejection charge. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, this pressure reducing element 20 is composed of a cone or a cone frustum whose base face faces nose fuze 14 and whose tip faces ejection charge 15. The tip of pressure reducing element 20 is provided with an opening 20a through which a firing jet travels from nose fuze 14 to ejection charge 15 for the purpose of activating charge 15. After activation of ejection charge 15, pressure reducing element 20 is deformed into a substantially gas tight disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Meffert, Karl-Heinz Silligmann
  • Patent number: 4748912
    Abstract: A supersonic mortar grenade is disclosed. Such grenade has a front portion that possesses a first conical section which is tangential to a second ogival section. The second ogival section is tangential to a cylindrical center area. The cylindrical center area is tangential to a rear portion which is made up of a first convex section and a second concave section, the convex section being tangential to the concave section. The concave section of the rear is tangential to a cylindrical finned tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Esperanza y Cia, S.A
    Inventor: Jose G. Garcia
  • Patent number: 4727812
    Abstract: A payload projectile including a carrier body having an ogival region in which a receptacle for an ejection charge is provided. A perforated disc is seated immediately in front of the receptacle and a lifting ring screw closes an opening in the carrier body at the forward tip of the ogival region. A chamber, reserved for an igniter, is defined between a rear face of the screw and a front face of the disc and has radial dimensions wider than those of the seat of the disc so that the disc is movable forwardly toward the screw peripherally unimpeded in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Siegmar Fischer, Gunter Sikorski
  • Patent number: 4712465
    Abstract: A gun barrel and projectile system utilizes a smooth central bore gun barrel fitted with a short rifled insert near the breech end. A projectile fitted with a perforated skirt and driving band about the base of the skirt are loaded into the gun barrel so that the driving band just engages the rifled insert, and the warhead portion of the projectile extends into the smooth bore portion of the barrel. Upon firing of a breech charge, gases from the breech charge are ducted to the space between the thin side walls of the projectile and the smooth central bore, thereby establishing a gas bearing. The gas bearing provides lateral support to the projectile and lubricates the projectile in the smooth central bore. Because of the lateral support the projectile receives from the gun barrel and the gas bearing, much less projectile structural strength is required to resist set-back forces. Mass fraction ratios of ordnance payload mass to structural mass in the projectile are on the order of ninety percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. B. Macdonald
  • Patent number: 4696347
    Abstract: An arrangement for propelling liquids over long distances involves enclosing liquid in a plurality of thin plastic spheres having a dimpled surface. The liquid containing spheres are propelled over substantial distances by shooting them from a pipe by means of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventors: Michael Stolov, Sara Stolov, Adi Stolov, Ilana Stolov-Hecht
  • Patent number: 4691633
    Abstract: The pyrotechnic igniter comprises a strong outer casing (3) whose bottom is equipped with divergent peripheral openings (4) and an ignition charge (5) placed in this casing. In order to obtain reproducible thermodynamic characteristics during the firing of the gas-generating charge (1) with a central channel, while withstanding the very high accelerations produced when the gun is fired, the inner surface of the casing comprises a means of axial positioning of the charge which provides a free space (6) between the downstream face of the charge and the bottom of the casing, the ignition charge (5) comprising a peripheral sleeve (7) resting on the said means of axial positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Godfrin, Bernard Landrevie, Gerard Escache
  • Patent number: 4524696
    Abstract: An explosive shrapnel shell has a bursting charge having a front end, a layer of shrapnel laterally surrounding the charge except at the end, a fuse mounted on the front end, and shrapnel in the fuse. The fuse includes a detonator charge lying between the fuse shrapnel and the bursting charge. The shell is generally centered on an axis extending through the front end and the fuse includes an axially rearwardly extending tube. The detonator charge is in and axially behind the tube and the fuse shrapnel form a ring circumferentially surrounding the tube. An intensifying charge can lie between the detonator charge and the bursting charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Ulf Hahn, Udo Sabranski
  • Patent number: 4494459
    Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a forward, armor piercing, high explosive charge and an aft anti-personnel high explosive charge in a shrapnel providing casing, both charges being functioned by a single, deceleration sensitive, detonator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard T. Ziemba
  • Patent number: 4488487
    Abstract: A penetration bomb has a resistant body containing an explosive composition. The body has a rear portion connected by an intermediate portion to a front portion of reduced diameter. While the rear portion has a high explosive content, typically higher than 75%, the front portion has a thick content of explosive charge, typically about 15%. The intermediate zone is approximately frustoconical for transferring kinetic energy from the rear portion to the front portion which acts as a penetrator before firing of its explosive content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: MATRA
    Inventor: Pierre C. Croizer
  • Patent number: 4462312
    Abstract: In order to improve the incendiary effect of munitions the hollow compartment of a projectile body of a shattering and incendiary shell or grenade is provided with an incendiary charge and two explosive charges. The incendiary charge possesses at its rear region or end a substantially funnel-shaped recess or cavity into which there protrudes a substantially conically-shaped tip of the first explosive charge of said two explosive charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon-Buhrle AG
    Inventors: Paul Cahannes, Eduard Daume, Jurg Sarbach
  • Patent number: 4459915
    Abstract: A solid fuel rocket in which the rocket casing acts as a warhead. Solid propellant rocket motors require relatively heavy cases to contain the 1000-2000 psi combustion pressure needed for efficient performance. This casing can be used as a fragmentation warhead by forming longitudinal grooves in the elongated rocket casing, causing the casing to fracture along the grooves and allowing the pressure within the casing to disperse the fragments. The resulting strip-like fragments are particularly useful against "soft" equipment targets, such as anti-vehicle and anti-radar applications. Several different methods for rupturing the case along spaced, parallel longitudinal lines are disclosed. This system eliminates the need for a separate warhead including case and explosive at the cost of a slight increase in propellant case thickness and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Convair Div.
    Inventor: Robert A. Lynch
  • Patent number: 4446794
    Abstract: A full-caliber shell for training purposes to be fired with a low charge in a large-caliber firearm, e.g. a howitzer or a gun. THe shell comprises a front part (1) made of heavy material and an effect part casing (2) and a bottom unit (3) substantially made of plastic material which is highly resistant to high pressures. The effect part casing comprising the effect part and the bottom unit is arranged to withstand the great stress forces which arise in connection with the firing of the shell in the howitzer when the heavy front part is to be accelerated by means of said effect part and bottom unit. The stress forces are then very pronounced, and are of the magnitude of those arising in connection with the firing of a steel shell with the corresponding charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventor: Bjorn Simmons
  • Patent number: 4446792
    Abstract: A body which can be axially incorporated at an artillery shell comprises a functional or operational element constructed as a radar reflector. A sleeve element is arranged at such functional element. This sleeve element is rotationally symmetrical about a lengthwise axis and is intended to be attached to the artillery shell. The functional element and the sleeve element are constructed as one piece or integrally. At the inside surface of the sleeve element there are formed in a turnably symmetrical or rotationally symmetrical manner beads, fins or claws or the like. The inner surface of the sleeve element is provided with an adhesive layer formed, for instance, of corundum powder contained in a synthetic resin. At the outside surface of the sleeve element there is arranged a fuse cord, the detonation of which produces a form-locking or positive connection of the sleeve element with the ordnance projectile or shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Contraves AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Heller, Iwan Kahn
  • Patent number: 4444112
    Abstract: Improvements in a multi-capability projectile having a heavy primary penetration element surrounded by a splintering and fragmenting secondary penetration element which extends forwardly of the primary penetration element to form a cavity having a bursting charge therein, the projectile having a nose portion forwardly of that cavity with an ignition charge therein. The rear of the secondary penetration element is stepped inwardly to form a smaller recess which receives and holds the rear end of the primary penetration element. A shoulder adjacent this smaller rearward portion can be formed in accordance with an improved method with an annular groove, according to which the portion of that shoulder radially inwardly of the groove is urged against the side of the primary penetration element to form a rimmed part which secures the same. The annular space surrounding the forward end of the primary penetration element can be filled with an incendiary charge, the bursting charge being located forwardly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: A/S Raufoss Ammunisjonsfabrikker
    Inventors: Kaare R. Strandli, Arne M. Ostlie
  • Patent number: 4418624
    Abstract: An aerodynamic braking arrangement for projectile components which are to be salvaged, such as detonators, consisting of a drag parachute having a high air-resistance index and of cables which connect the projectile components with the parachute. The drag chute is formed as a brake basket which consists of two cup-shaped tops at the ends thereof constituted of metal or plastic material, which are separated from each other along the axial direction of the projectile through the intermediary of at least one space formed of metal or plastic material, wherein the cables are fastened to one of the tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rauschert Willi, Bock Erich, Rieger Gerald
  • Patent number: 4413567
    Abstract: A fin-stabilized mortar grenade has an ogival shell body, a tail tube with finned controlling surfaces. The shell body has at least one annular groove located with the limits of the caliber diameter zone. A spreadable sealing ring is disposed in the annular groove. The sealing ring has an edge bevel located at the edge facing the shell body at the bottom of the annular groove. The bevel edge configuration provides a mechanism by which the force of propellant gases enhances the radial spreading of the sealing ring outwardly against the inside surface of the barrel from which the mortar grenade is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Etablissement Salgad
    Inventor: Amos Frostig
  • Patent number: 4388868
    Abstract: A shell body for fin-stabilized projectiles has an ogival curvature and is composed of two body sections. A front body section has a cylindrical bore extending therethrough and a rear body portion has a cavity therein. A headpiece containing a fuse is connected to the front end of the front body section and a tail tube with a fin-stabilizer unit is connected to the rear of the rear body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: Etablissement Salgad
    Inventor: Amos Frostig
  • Patent number: 4363843
    Abstract: A recoverable seal for sealing a container, especially an artillery ordinance cannister, comprising a heat-shrinkable continuous annular band having a uniform coat of heat-activatable adhesive on the inwardly-facing surface thereof which has a mean thickness of 0.01 to 1.0 mm and differs from the mean thickness over the surface by at most 25% of the mean thickness. The band may be provided with a tearable region such as a score line to enable it easily to be peeled off the container. After the band has been recovered on the container, the band can be peeled away and a layer of adhesive will remain aiding the ability of the seal to withstand pressurization and depressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: Raychem Limited
    Inventor: David Crofts
  • Patent number: 4353302
    Abstract: A projectile has a primary penetration element arranged at the rear end, and surrounded by a substantially tube like secondary penetration element, so that in front of the primary penetration element is formed a cavity within the secondary penetration element. The cavity contains a bursting charge or bursting and incendiary charges, ignitable by means of an ignition charge arranged in the nose of the projectile upon impingement against a target. The construction is such that the primary penetration element is positively prevented from moving forwardly into the cavity before the projectile hits a target and the secondary element is substantially fragmented. The projectile gives considerable splinter and fragmentation in lighter to medium targets, while functioning generally as a purely armor piercing projectile against heavy targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: A/S Raufoss Ammunisjonsfabrikker
    Inventors: Kaare R. Strandli, Arne M. stlie
  • Patent number: 4334657
    Abstract: A fin-stabilized projectile assembly including a nose section, a middle section and a tail section attached to one another, wherein said middle section includes a cylindrically-shaped forward end portion and a tapered rear end portion. A plurality of fins are mounted on the tail section, with fins engaging the projectile at a junction formed by the middle and tail sections, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Bofors
    Inventor: Kjell Mattson
  • Patent number: 4333400
    Abstract: A two stage parachute recovery system for use in recovering fuzes or other ensitive equipment from a projectile that has been launched from a gun barrel wherein explosive means are successively detonated by a timing mechanism and by centrifugal force imparted to the projectile respectively so as to deploy each of the said parachutes and to thereby recover the fuze before impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John F. McNelia, Carl R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4327643
    Abstract: An anti-aircraft projectile for intercepting flying objects, such as aircraft and missiles, includes three independent zones which can be coupled to one another and which respectively form a base, a high-explosive body and an ogive. The base includes a bourrelet and has a recess which forms a skirt provided with bypass holes. The high-explosive body is formed by a pair of concentric cylinders wherebetween there is formed a chamber in which are disposed steel balls or spheres which fill the chamber. Both cylinders are coupled at the corresponding ends thereof to both the base and the ogive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Inventor: Fernando Lasheras Barrios
  • Patent number: 4297948
    Abstract: A spin stabilized projectile is arranged to have variable flight stability. he projectile has a casing with a cavity that contains a given mass of fluid. The cavity is shaped to provide a balanced flow of fluid with respect to the axis of spin as the projectile is trajected. This balanced flow alters the flight stability of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: William F. Donovan
  • Patent number: 4294172
    Abstract: A projectile which includes a detonator recoverable to provide function control. A projectile upper portion fitted on a projectile shell carries the detonator. An aerodynamic brake arrangement is located within the projectile shell. A ram supported in the projectile shell has an ejector charge arranged adjacent thereto at the side opposite the projectile upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Willi Rauschert, Gerald Rieger, Erich Bock, Alfred Eckel
  • Patent number: H203
    Abstract: A rocket motor is disclosed which employs a Class 1.1 detonatable composition which is both a propellant and explosive. One grain design is configured to give a high boost acceleration during the burning phase of a perforated portion of the grain. The internally burning grain subsequently changes to an end-burning grain which provides a sustaining thrust burning period. The rocket motor flies to target with the burning surface progressing towards the head end. The rocket burns to target, but the design always provides some remaining propellant which serves as the warhead explosive on impact with the target. Detonator means cause the remaining unburned propellant to denonate at target impact or prior to target impact. This rocket motor design does not provide for separation between the warhead and the motor case. Therefore, the complete rocket motor travels to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William B. Thomas, Robert E. Betts
  • Patent number: H865
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a Pyronol torch and holder device for provid quick and efficient attachment of the torch to a barrier target (flat, curved, or irregular shape) that is made of steel or magnetic steel alloys. The device provides for attachment to the target and for holding a cutting torch containing pyrotechnic material at a predetermined standoff distance from the surface of the target for proper operation of the torch and for permitting escape of products of combustion to minimize liftoff forces on the holding device tending to lift it from the target to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert S. Sery, Alexander G. Rozner, James C. Waldron, William R. Walton