Including Annular Member Patents (Class 102/526)
  • Patent number: 10996037
    Abstract: Embodiments of an obturator are provided herein. In some embodiments, an obturator includes an annular body having an inner surface configured to interface with a projectile, an outer surface configured to interface with a gun bore, and geometric features disposed in the annular body to create regions of localized stress and strain upon discharge from a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael A. Minnicino, John C. Lutz, Robert S. Darcy
  • Patent number: 10871359
    Abstract: A projectile (10) for firing from a barrel (12) of a firearm has an elongated tubular body (14) with a leading end (16), a trailing end (18) and a passage (100) extending through the body (14) and opening onto the leading end (16). An insert (102) is disposed in the passage (100). A cavity (20) is formed in the body (14) between the insert (102) and the trailing end (18) for holding a volume of propellant. A seal arrangement (22) is formed on the body (14) and located between and in-board of the leading end (16) and the trailing end (18). The seal arrangement (22) extends circumferentially about body to form a substantial seal against an inner circumferential surface of the barrel (12). A driving band (28) is supported on the body (14) between the seal arrangement (22) and the trailing end (18) and arranged to maintain substantial coaxial alignment of the body (14) of the projectile and the barrel (12) of the firearm while the projectile travels along the barrel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TECHVENTURE INVESTMENTS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Dale Harrison
  • Patent number: 10598472
    Abstract: A projectile, such as a low ricochet, non-toxic, air gun BB, pellet or slingshot projectile, that breaks apart into small pieces or fragments when striking a hard surface, and that is lead free. A method of manufacturing the projectile of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Russell LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 10228012
    Abstract: A bushing includes a cylindrical main body having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein a fastener passage is defined within the main body, and a plurality of ribs outwardly extending from the main body. The plurality of ribs are configured to securely position the bushing with respect to an opening formed in a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Holt, Albert W. Van Boven, Glenn G. Heavens
  • Patent number: 9823040
    Abstract: A gun barrel unit for a toy gun includes: an inner barrel and an outer barrel, the inner barrel is axially inserted in the outer barrel, at least one rotary member is provided between the inner and outer barrels to allow for rotation of the inner barrel with respect to the outer barrel, and at least one eccentric weight is fixed in the inner barrel. The inner barrel is pivotable and the inner barrel is provided with the eccentric weight, so that even when the gun is held in an inclined position, the inner barrel still can return to a non-inclined manner to ensure the ballistic trajectory stability when firing. Besides, an engaging assembly is provided at the rear end of the inner barrel, so that the inner barrel can still be fixed to the outer barrel in a fixed manner to facilitate ballistic trajectory adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Shih-Che Hu
  • Patent number: 9677863
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator for use in small caliber ammunition, which penetrator can utilize composite material small sabots. A large shear area in the sabot having a small number of decreasingly sized buttress grooves, mate to the penetrator shaft making use of composite material sabots feasible. Lightening of the penetrator through substitution of composite material sabots results in greater velocity with higher kinetic energy on lethal impact. The fewer grooves aerodynamically lessen drag and likewise tend to boost velocity plus lethal impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Mohan J. Palathingal, Kip Hess, Gregory M. Kolasa, Sung Chung, Marco Duca
  • Patent number: 9599444
    Abstract: A multi-part projectile accelerator to be used in the single or multiple projectile mode, constructed of the hollow and tubular body which may either self-disconnect, once the projectile leaves the barrel, or stay with the projectile for the duration of the flight; which may also include the ring member designed to fit into the grooves of the rifled barrel in order to assist in maintaining the rotation of an accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Felix Rachlin
  • Patent number: 9383178
    Abstract: Hollow point bullets and methods of manufacturing such bullets are herein disclosed. The disclosed bullets include a monolithic core encased by a metal jacket. The jacket includes a plurality of v-shaped channels formed on the inner surface of the sidewall of the jacket. The core includes a conical recess formed therein and a cavity in communication with the conical recess. The cavity formed in the core may have a cross-section shape defined by a plurality of points spaced equidistantly about the circumference of an imaginary circle. A plurality of stress risers may be formed in the core, each stress riser extending from the cavity to a v-shaped channel in coincidence with a point of the cross-section shape of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Powers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8950334
    Abstract: A pre-deformed obturator for a projectile launched from a rifled tube includes an annular ring with a forward planar surface normal to the central longitudinal axis of the obturator. A top cylindrical surface extends aft from the forward planar surface and normal to the forward planar surface. A plurality of projections are formed on the top cylindrical surface and are configured to engage the rifling of the tube. An opening is formed in an aft end of each of the plurality of projections for receiving propellant gas. The opening may also be contiguously formed in the aft surface of the obturator radially inward of each projection. Propellant gas enters the openings in the aft of the obturator and expands the obturator to provide an efficient gas seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ryan Hooke
  • Publication number: 20150013563
    Abstract: An obturator can be secured to a projectile to be launched from within a launch tube. The obturator cooperates with the projectile to seal a pressurized gas within the launch tube during launch. The obturator has a plurality of segments that combine to form a ring. Each segment has connecting features that cooperate with corresponding connecting features of an adjacent segment to hold the segments together by restricting relative circumferential movement, without restricting radially outward movement of individual segments. Preferably, each segment is identical, making it easier to repair and assemble the obturator. Upon launch, the obturator segments can move radially outwardly to separate into relatively small, uniformly-sized pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: RAYTHEON COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8919256
    Abstract: An obturator can be secured to a projectile to be launched from within a launch tube. The obturator cooperates with the projectile to seal a pressurized gas within the launch tube during launch. The obturator has a plurality of segments that combine to form a ring. Each segment has connecting features that cooperate with corresponding connecting features of an adjacent segment to hold the segments together by restricting relative circumferential movement, without restricting radially outward movement of individual segments. Preferably, each segment is identical, making it easier to repair and assemble the obturator. Upon launch, the obturator segments can move radially outwardly to separate into relatively small, uniformly-sized pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Geswender, Rick Williams
  • Publication number: 20140373746
    Abstract: A projectile includes a head, a tail, and an interface that interconnects the head and tail. Multiple sections of the interface are deformed by being compressed radially inwardly into respective annular recesses formed between the interface and the head and tail during manufacturing or by rifling when the projectile is fired. The amount of deformation is controlled by the depth of each of the annular recesses. In all embodiments, annular ridges formed in the head, the tail, or both, define the longitudinal extent of the annular recesses. The interface includes an annular obturation region and has a beveled open leading end to facilitate insertion of the head and tail into the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 8695507
    Abstract: A lightweight composite sabot useful in large, medium and small caliber rifled gun systems, wherein each of the sabot segments are reinforced with thin aluminum, or other, metal wedges to increase the torsional strength of the sabot body to survive the torsional forces created when fired from a rifled gun tube. And, which composite sabot also has a metal bulkhead about the periphery thereof, to reduce the spin and resulting hoop stresses, and to help protect the composite material during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Saif Musali, Munasir Harhara, Nicholas Payne, Roger Joinson, Velan Mudaliar, Daniel Prillaman, Shri Singh
  • Publication number: 20140076191
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile with a guide band which is composed of at least two annular sub-guide bands that lie axially one behind the other is provided. An object of the invention is to ensure a durability of the connection between the multi-part guide band and the corresponding projectile body of the projectile even when high centrifugal forces act on the guide band, such as those centrifugal forces that occur in artillery projectiles. To achieve this, each of the sub-guide bands lies in a separate groove of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Georg Abeln, Michael Schwenzer
  • Patent number: 8511233
    Abstract: A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Norma Precision AB
    Inventor: Åke Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8474380
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Patent number: 8333153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a launching device for a sub-caliber artillery projectile employing a base with sliding band, the base being linked to sabot sectors by means of hinges that can be detached during flight, the opening of the sabot being activated thanks to the dynamic air pressure on the flared shapes to the fore of the sectors, said hinge is flanged radially so as to prevent its becoming separated from the sabot sectors 5 outside of the flight phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nexter Munitions
    Inventor: Lionel Caillat
  • Patent number: 8127684
    Abstract: The following invention relates to a mount for holding a charge in a breech. The mount attaches, or is integral to, a charge and is provided with a dilation means which rests within a breech of a gun to prevent the charge from sliding back out of the breech when the gun is held at a high angle. The dilation means is fabricated from a material which, when the gun is fired, combusts to leave negligible debris in the breech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: John Taylor, Raphael Joseph Francis Chetcuti, Charles Thomas Marshall, Colin Carson MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8109213
    Abstract: A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Poulos, David Pfau, Eric Scheper, Stewart Gilman, Vladimir M. Gold, Ernest Baker
  • Publication number: 20120017795
    Abstract: A method of modifying a projectile includes removing material from an aft end of the projectile, and coupling a device to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin-stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin-stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin-stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin-stabilized projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 7975616
    Abstract: A projectile for cap and ball revolvers and black powder rifles including but not limited to muzzleloaders, black powder cartridges etc. A soft lead body, cylindrical in form and having a front band designed to hold the projectile firmly in place prior to firing. During it's travel in the rifled bore, it then imparts spin to the projectile improving accuracy, range, and making the projectile stable during impact with intended target. Outside diameter of band is not drastic enough to negatively affect trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Wayne Hill
  • Patent number: 7900561
    Abstract: A projectile includes a leading part formed by a tip, a tip base, and a leading rod. A trailing part includes a main base, a truncate base, and a trailing rod. A leading end of a cylindrical interface abuts an annular shoulder where the tip meets the tip base and a trailing end abuts an annular shoulder where the main base meets the truncate base. The tip base and the truncate base respectively support the leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface. A medial extent of the cylindrical interface is unsupported by the leading and trailing rods and is deformed radially inwardly by lands in a barrel when the projectile is fired. The leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface maintain contact with the lands and the medial extent does not, reducing friction between the projectile and the barrel without sacrificing spin of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Ammunition, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Publication number: 20100224095
    Abstract: A projectile includes a leading part formed by a tip, a tip base, and a leading rod. A trailing part includes a main base, a truncate base, and a trailing rod. A leading end of a cylindrical interface abuts an annular shoulder where the tip meets the tip base and a trailing end abuts an annular shoulder where the main base meets the truncate base. The tip base and the truncate base respectively support the leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface. A medial extent of the cylindrical interface is unsupported by the leading and trailing rods and is deformed radially inwardly by lands in a barrel when the projectile is fired. The leading and trailing ends of the cylindrical interface maintain contact with the lands and the medial extent does not, reducing friction between the projectile and the barrel without sacrificing spin of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: LIBERTY AMMUNITION, LLC
    Inventor: PJ Marx
  • Patent number: 7665402
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Patent number: 7448325
    Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Publication number: 20080257192
    Abstract: A projectile firing apparatus having a barrel (40) with a forwardly located exitaperture and an inwardly extending circumferential ledge (50), and two projectiles (41a, b), each having a penetrator (42a, b) and a sabot assembly having at least two sabot parts shaped so as to surround at least a portion of a respective penetrator (42a, b), the sabot assembly having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel (40); and propellant (48a) located in the barrel between the projectiles (41a, b) and propellant (48b) located in the barrel (40) rearward of the rearward projectile (41b); and a pusher-plug (44b) located rearwardly of rearward projectile (41b) and forward of most rearward propellant (48b), the pusher-plug (44b) located against the circumferential ledge (50) wherein as a result of the expansion of gases resulting from ignition of the forwardly propellant (48a), the pusher-plug (44b) is forced against the ledge (50) to form a seal to the rearward movement of gases past the pusher-plug (4
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
    Inventor: Anthony Carl Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20080134928
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Patent number: 7380505
    Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm projectile is disclosed that is composed of a multi diameter, hollow base solid copper bullet, the rear cavity filled with a material of low-density, and a gas pressure seal that separates the bullet from the powder charge. The majority of the bullet shank has a diameter less than the bore diameter of the firearm barrel to allow for ease of loading and alignment of the barrel and bullet axis; a narrow ring of material larger than the barrel bore diameter but less than the groove diameter is located at the junction of the bullet shank and nose profile that centers the bullet in the barrel and positively positions the bullet over the powder charge regardless of orientation of the firearm. The low-density material filling the rear cavity of the bullet acts as an expansion medium when impacted by the rear gas seal during the firing process causing the hollow shank of the bullet to expand and lock into the barrel rifling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Shiery
  • Patent number: 7040237
    Abstract: The invention provides a self-aligning device for aiding the engagement of a munition into a rifled gun barrel on loading of the munition, absent the use of a driving band, as, for example, in the case of a munition which is fitted with aerodynamic tail fins. The device comprises at least one annular ring to surround the munition, and which, if desired, can be seated on a surface of the munition which allows the ring(s) to rotate. One or more of the rings has a number of elements which are capable of lying within the outline of the ring or rings to allow the munition to be readily loaded into a gun barrel but which can take the form of projections extending radially outwards from the ring(s) when they become coincident with the internal rifling of the gun barrel on further movement of the munition along with barrel or when the munition is rotated. The projections then engage in the rifling grooves and provide a sealing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventors: John Tilling, Stephen George Gladwell Smith, Peter Sutton, Stephen Richard Sutton
  • Patent number: 6827020
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has a projectile body and a guide band being circumferentially mounted on an outer face of the projectile body. The guide band includes a plurality of axially adjoining partial guide bands. One of the partial guide bands is a first partial guide band made of copper, a copper alloy or another soft metal. One of the partial guide bands is a second partial guide band made of soft iron and axially adjoining the first partial guide band. A total axial length of all second partial guide bands is between 5% and 50% of the total axial length of the guide band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Siegmar Fischer, Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Ralf Aumund-Kopp, Gunter Sikorski
  • Patent number: 6782830
    Abstract: An obturator having redundant surfaces for sealing between a projectile and a gun tube, where the obturator has at least one gun tube side cannelure. At least one projectile side cannelure is located opposite to the at least one gun tube side cannelure, where the at least one gun tube side cannelure is conformed to seal around the projectile. A tail protrudes from a rearward end of the at least one gun tube side cannelure, where the tail makes an interference fit with the smooth gun bore to make a low pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin T. Candland, Dipak S. Kamdar, Rollie H. Dohrn
  • Patent number: 6776102
    Abstract: A projectile body having a groove-shaped recess (2), in which a guide band (3) is disposed. To permit use of a relatively wide guide band (3), while preventing the band from being destroyed as the projectile body (1) passes through the gun barrel, and preventing significant copper-plating of the barrel, the guide band (3) is assembled from two partial guide bands (5, 6), with the relatively narrow, first partial band (5), which faces the base (7) of the projectile, comprising copper or a copper alloy and providing a seal against the propellant gases acting on the projectile rear under high pressure. The second, considerably wider partial guide band (6) essentially comprises plastic, and includes at least one hollow space (11), which lends it adequate deformation reserves with respect to the high surface pressure acting on this partial guide band (6) when the projectile body (1) passes through the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiesen, Dieter Jungbluth
  • Patent number: 6769364
    Abstract: A full-caliber projectile having a cylindrical guide region (5) and an ogival projectile tip (7). To improve the stabilization of the projectile (1) inside a gun barrel (2) in a simple manner, and therefore improve the intermediate ballistics and hit accuracy over those of comparable projectiles, a guide ring (8), which is segmented in the circumferential direction, and whose outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of a gun barrel (2) of the same caliber, is secured to the projectile tip (7) such that the radially spaced guide-ring segments (9) detach from the projectile (1) in the gun barrel (2) when a predetermined firing acceleration occurs in the gun barrel, and the segments (9) are pushed toward the projectile (1), axially relative to the cylindrical guide region (5), by dynamic pressure until they rest against the inside wall (18) of the gun barrel (2) and against the projectile (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Kolodzey, Thomas Heitmann, Michael Imdahl, Michael Vagedes
  • Publication number: 20030145757
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has a projectile body and a guide band being circumferentially mounted on an outer face of the projectile body. The guide band includes a plurality of axially adjoining partial guide bands. One of the partial guide bands is a first partial guide band made of copper, a copper alloy or another soft metal. One of the partial guide bands is a second partial guide band made of soft iron and axially adjoining the first partial guide band. A total axial length of all second partial guide bands is between 5% and 50% of the total axial length of the guide band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Siegmar Fischer, Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Ralf Aumund-Kopp, Gunter Sikorski
  • Patent number: 6600126
    Abstract: Guiding means being arranged on a surface area of a shell are made of high purity nickel by build-up welding. This avoids a drag-in of copper into a gun barrel foreseen for the launch of a shell. A production of the guiding means in the build-up welding process allows a reliable fixing of the guiding means directly onto the shell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ruag Components
    Inventors: Kurt Steinhoff, Matthias Schupfer
  • Publication number: 20030101892
    Abstract: A full-caliber projectile having a cylindrical guide region (5) and an ogival projectile tip (7). To improve the stabilization of the projectile (1) inside a gun barrel (2) in a simple manner, and therefore improve the intermediate ballistics and hit accuracy over those of comparable projectiles, a guide ring (8), which is segmented in the circumferential direction, and whose outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of a gun barrel (2) of the same caliber, is secured to the projectile tip (7) such that the radially spaced guide-ring segments (9) detach from the projectile (1) in the gun barrel (2) when a predetermined firing acceleration occurs in the gun barrel, and the segments (9) are pushed toward the projectile (1), axially relative to the cylindrical guide region (5), by dynamic pressure until they rest against the inside wall (18) of the gun barrel (2) and against the projectile (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Jurgen Kolodzey, Thomas Heitmann, Michael Imdahl, Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 6536353
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has a projectile body and a guide band being circumferentially mounted on an outer face of the projectile body. The guide band includes a plurality of axially adjoining partial guide bands. One of the partial guide bands is a first partial guide band made of copper, a copper alloy or another soft metal. One of the partial guide bands is a second partial guide band made of soft iron and axially adjoining the first partial guide band. A total axial length of all second partial guide bands is between 5% and 50% of the total axial length of the guide band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Siegmar Fischer, Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau, Ralf Aumund-Kopp, Günter Sikorski
  • Patent number: 6453821
    Abstract: An obturator is provided for a projectile launched from a gun barrel. The obturator includes an annular ring that is fabricated from a high-temperature resistant composite material. The annular ring has an inner surface that is in contact with the projectile. In addition, when the projectile is fired from the gun barrel, an outer surface of the annular ring contacts an inner surface of a bore of the gun barrel. When the projectile is fired from the gun barrel, the radial distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the annular ring substantially equals or exceeds the radial distance between an outer surface of the projectile and the inner surface of the bore of the gun barrel at at least one point. This configuration restricts a flow of charge gases from an aft end of the projectile to a forward end of the projectile as the projectile is fired from the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gray E. Fowler, G. Michael Liggett, Craig E. Prevost, John W. Orem
  • Patent number: 6431076
    Abstract: A method of minimising misfiring or alleviating their consequences is provided by forming at least each trailing projectile (30) in a series of housed projectiles with a sealing portion (34) extending about a tapered anvil portion (31) and moveable therealong for expansion into sealing engagement with the barrel (11). The sealing portion (34) disengages forwardly in response to a misfire or the like to provide a bleed path for igniting the propellant charge (41) associated with the next leading projectile (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6363856
    Abstract: A projectile for small arms, incorporating a core, skirt, and driving band. The present invention's design acts to increase muzzle velocity in three main ways. The core is lightweight, therefore, the same amount of propellent will cause the present invention to be pushed out of the barrel at a higher rate than a conventional heavier bullet. Additionally, a thin skirt circumscribing the base of the projectile is incorporated into it during manufacture. All of the design characteristics of the present invention act to increase the muzzle velocity of the projectile when used with a conventional load as compared to the same load used with a conventional projectile. The increased velocity is achieved in standard small arms without modification to barrels, recoil springs, or other devices. Law enforcement officers must be extremely careful in regard to innocent bystanders who may potentially be hit be an errant bullet, or by a bullet that over-penetrates its target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Roscoe R. Stoker, Jr., David A. Stoker
  • Patent number: 6343553
    Abstract: This invention provides a projectile assembly (10) having a body part (14) including a trailing portion (19) which reduces in diameter rearwardly and supports a sealing band (16) having a substantially cylindrical outer face for engagement with the bore (21) of the barrel (11). The body part (14) may move rearwardly through the sealing band (16) to expand it outwardly into sealing engagement with the bore (21). Upon firing the body part (14) moves forwardly relative to the sealing band (16) to free it from the bore (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20020002926
    Abstract: Guiding means being arranged on a surface area of a shell are made of high purity nickel by build-up welding. This avoids a drag-in of copper into a gun barrel foreseen for the launch of a shell. A production of the guiding means in the build-up welding process allows a reliable fixing of the guiding means directly onto the shell body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt Steinhoff, Matthias Schupfer
  • Patent number: 6295934
    Abstract: An obturator is provided for a projectile launched from a gun barrel. The projectile has a mid-body annular groove that includes a shaped surface. The obturator includes an annular ring having an inner surface in contact with the shaped surface of the annular groove of the projectile. The annular ring further includes an outer surface. When the projectile is in the gun barrel, the outer surface of the annular ring contacts an inner surface of a bore of the gun barrel. The radial distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the annular ring substantially equals or exceeds the radial distance between the shaped surface of the annular groove and the inner surface of the bore of the gun barrel at at least one point when the projectile is positioned in the barrel. This feature restricts a flow of charge gases from an aft end of the projectile to a forward end of the projectile when the projectile is launched from the gun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tepera, James A. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6085662
    Abstract: The invention concerns a spin-stabilized projectile provided with a metal band (4). The projectile comprises a projectile body divided into a front main portion (1) and a rear main portion (2). The main portions are joined at the stern part of the projectile by means of a joint (3). The band is soldered or brazed with its inner surface and front flank surface onto an essentially cylindrical surface (6) and a rearwardly directed annular flank surface (5) of a shoulder which is formed in the rear end of the front main portion and extends round the projectile and which preferably has a length which is the same as the width of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Forsvarets Forskningsanstalt
    Inventor: Yngve Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6070532
    Abstract: A projectile having improved accuracy when fired over long ranges is formed from a monolithic block of a copper alloy. Proceeding from a nose to a heel of the projectile, is a fore portion with arcuate side walls, a body portion of substantially constant cross-sectional area that minimally contacts a rifled gun barrel, a drive band having a diameter effective to seal propellant gases and an aft portion that continuously decreases in diameter terminating at the heel. A cylindrical bore extends from an opened end at the nose to a closed end proximate to a transition plane between the fore portion and the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Henry J. Halverson
  • Patent number: 5909003
    Abstract: A projectile rotating band (7) is firmly connected, through openings (9) in the projectile casing (2), to a sealing section (10) at the rear of the projectile inside the projectile casing (2). The rotating band (7) is formed together with the sealing section (10) in the course of a single step of the manufacturing process by injecting a synthetic material into the projectile casing (2) through its open back. The band (7) is prevented from twisting off during firing by the unitary construction, and will not abrade the barrel since it is non-metallic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 5682011
    Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile includes a projectile body having a trailing end; a first circumferential groove provided in the projectile body; and a second circumferential groove provided in the projectile body between the first circumferential groove and the trailing end of the projectile body. A rotating band is received in the first circumferential groove and a sealing ring is received in the second circumferential groove. The scaling ring has a radial and an axial clearance of between 0.5 and 1 mm from the walls of the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Sabranski, Henning Von Seidlitz, Ralf-Joachim Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5408931
    Abstract: Ammunition is disclosed for firing a shotgun slug from a rifled shotgun having a range of about 300 meters. The shotgun ammunition comprises a cartridge, propellant, a fiber wad, and a slug. The slug includes a nose having a parabolic cross-section, a frustoconical rotation ring, and the slug has an internal cavity. The increased range enhances a shotgun's use in hunting, military, and police applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Harvey A. Tallman
  • Patent number: 5394805
    Abstract: The sabot (16) relates to a projectile (11) which can be accelerated in an accelerator comprising a tubular preaccelerator followed by RAM acceleration tubes. It consists of an outer band (18) which is designed in a way to be attached to the radial fins (13) at the rear of the projectile (11) and to support the peripheral sealing elements (25) and a subcaliber base plate (31) of relatively small thickness, which is designed in such a way that it rests on the outer band (18) with its perimeter, and if necessary on the projectile base (7) with its center part, and that it separates from the projectile (11) and the outer band (18) before the projectile (11) enters into the acceleration tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint-Louis
    Inventors: Marc Giraud, Hubert Simon
  • Patent number: 5297492
    Abstract: An improved small caliber armor piercing projectile (10) having a fin stabilized sub-caliber high density rod penetrator (11) and an adequately large tracer cavity (23). The tracer cavity does not degrade the armor penetrating capability of the projectile. The rod penetrator core is supported structurally during gun launch by a minimum weight segmented sabot (13) which engages the barrel rifling, followed by a segmented plastic obturator (15), followed by a solid plastic obturator ring (17) which provides an uninterrupted gas seal and which holds all segmented components together around the rod penetrator prior to launch. The solid obturator ring is blown apart upon muzzle exit by entrapped propellant gas pressure retained in an internal aft cavity (19). All plastic obturator components are located behind the structural sabot so that the propellant gas pressure will maintain the segmented obturator under hydrostatic compression while in the barrel to ensure projectile inbore stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Steven M. Buc