Self-contained In Projectile Or Projectile-carrying Cartridge Patents (Class 124/57)
  • Patent number: 9975057
    Abstract: A water-rocket water-transfer-station, referred to as the water station, is comprised of a specialized manifold combined with a plastic carbonated drink bottle, which functions as a water reservoir. The water reservoir is pressurized with air to make a water transfer station for water rockets. By using pressurized air, water can be transferred from the water station to a water rocket launch system, referred to as the launcher, and into an attached water rocket. A second unique feature of this system is the ability to return water from the water rocket back into the water station reservoir, as in the case of an over-fill, or in a launch abort. This unique water station can easily and quickly transfer water to a water rocket from a water reservoir, and in reverse from a rocket, without having to remove the rocket from the launcher. This saves time and minimizes water waste which is important when water has to be hand carried into a remote launch field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventors: William Scott Howell, Scott Douglas Farner
  • Patent number: 9780540
    Abstract: A duct rod system to be pushed in a conduit of a defined configuration for installing an elongated element in the conduit and comprising at least one rod having a flexible main body, the flexible main body having a bending stiffness arrangement defined in relation to the defined configuration of the conduit to permit a friction reduction of the flexible main body in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: PLUMETTAZ HOLDING S.A.
    Inventor: Willem Griffioen
  • Patent number: 9546844
    Abstract: A muzzleloader firearm is converted into a firearm adapted for firing an arrow. The stock assembly of the muzzleloader firearm is retained while the barrel assembly is completely removed, and replaced by an arrow barrel assembly. The arrow barrel assembly has a stock assembly attachment for releasably engaging the stock assembly of the muzzleloader firearm, and a barrel attachment for engaging an inner barrel tube that holds an arrow shaft with a hollow interior and propels the arrow out of the firearm when a blank cap is activated, and an outer shroud to protect the inner barrel tube and enclose a loaded arrow. The arrow barrel assembly rearward end has formed recesses for receiving the blank cap and aligning the rim of the blank cap with the firing pin of the muzzleloader stock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ardesa, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Hall, Angel Calvete
  • Patent number: 9486659
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly has a main body that is hollow. A hose connection is formed on the main body to receive a fluid. A stem extends away from the main body, and the stem is hollow. A tip is formed on an end of the stem, and the tip has a fluid outlet. An extension member extends away from the main body. A balloon retainer is connected to the extension member. The balloon retainer has an opening facing the fluid outlet. The balloon retainer is shaped so that inflation of a balloon to a greater inflation pulls a neck of the balloon off the stem to a released position so that the balloon flies off the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 9157694
    Abstract: A firing device is provided with a housing, a sleeve in the housing, an air canister in the sleeve, a mechanism, and a pushing assembly. Pushing of the sliding cap forward exposes the push button and moves the spring depressible detent to the first depression, a pressing of the push button pushes down the sliding member, the pressing does not push down the sliding member further after the sliding member clearing the second though hole, the sharp member is pushed rearward by the spring biased cylindrical member to open the air canister by piercing, pressurized air released from the air canister pushes the mechanism including the sliding member back to a position prior to the pressing, the pressurized air travels forward to be stopped by the diaphragm with air pressure being further increased, and the diaphragm will be broken after the air pressure increase exceeds a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: STARJET Technologies Co., LTD
    Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
  • Patent number: 8925538
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a reusable pneumatic distraction device having a housing which encloses a first and a second gas reservoir which are configured to contain a quantity of high and low pressure gas, respectively. A valve member seals off an exhaust in the first gas reservoir, the valve member movable between a closed position sealing the exhaust and an open position. The device also includes a pneumatic drive for urging the valve towards its opened position. The pneumatic drive configured to apply a lower urging force followed by a larger urging force as the valve opens. The device is also provided with a lock pin releasably coupled to the valve for preventing the valve from moving towards its open position. Finally, the device includes a delay mechanism to delay the opening of the piston when the lock pin is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Carlton Chong
  • Publication number: 20140251296
    Abstract: A man-powered system for pneumatically launching a pellet cluster includes a cartridge for holding the pellet cluster. A hollow propulsion shaft receives the cartridge for substantially free travel back and forth in the shaft to establish a variable-volume compression chamber in the shaft, between the cartridge and a closed end of the shaft. When a driving force acts to launch the combination of cartridge and shaft, the cartridge moves to compress gas in the compression chamber for a subsequent expansion that will propel the cartridge forward through the shaft. After launch, the compressed gas acts to separate the pellet cluster from the cartridge and to provide a pneumatic assist that increases the velocity of pellets after separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: G. Wilson Flint, Michael T. Jones
  • Patent number: 8763596
    Abstract: A cartridge for launching a bullet, includes a shell case, a pressure chamber and a push rod; the shell case defines concentric through-holes; the pressure chamber is set up between the through-holes; the push rod defines an air vent and an airway, the air vent being in fluid communication with the firing chamber via the airway; a piston is mounted to the push rod and is received in the pressure chamber for compressing the chamber; when uncompressed, the air vent is located in the pressure chamber, when the push rod is struck the air vent moves forwards, back into the pressure chamber, the compressed air in the pressure chamber is discharged via the air vent and the airway to fire the bullet. The invention has a simple and compact structure, and is safe in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: APS Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Ho Lam
  • Patent number: 8733251
    Abstract: Ammunition for a conductive energy weapon. A receptacle includes a cavity accessible through each of a first opening in a first face of the receptacle, a second opening in the first face of the receptacle, a third opening in a second face of the receptacle and a fourth opening in a third face of the receptacle. A propellant unit is included within the cavity proximate the second opening and a projectile is included within the cavity proximate the second opening. A housing is coupled to at least the second face and the third face of the receptacle and is further configured to couple to the conductive energy weapon. The propellant unit releases a propellant into the cavity, in a direction substantially opposite the projectile's direction of flight, in response to a trigger pull of the conductive energy weapon, and the cavity directs the propellant in the projectile's direction of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Abboud, Chi-Myin Chang
  • Patent number: 8695578
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a system and method for delivering a projectile toward a target. The system includes a launcher and a propulsion system positioned within the launcher. The propulsion system includes a gas generator that produces enough gas within a certain period of time to direct the projectile from the launcher toward the target. The system for delivering a projectile may further include a targeting system that collects data regarding the location of the target. In addition, the launcher may include a venting system that exhausts a particular amount of gas from the launcher in order to direct the projectile from the launcher at a desired velocity based on data received from the targeting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olden, Robert P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8469015
    Abstract: A rescue launcher system includes a reusable launcher and a one-time-use, pre-packed payload cartridge removably secured to the reusable launcher. The payload cartridge includes a plastic canister, a pressurization system located within the canister and selectively activated by reusable launcher, and a payload located within the canister and which is launched to a remote location upon actuation of the pressurization system. An actuation grip of the launcher selectively actuates the pressurization system, and an interlock is adapted to prevent actuation of the pressurization system unless the interlock and the actuation grip are simultaneously actuated. The payload can be a buoyancy device including a sealed tube and deflated foam within the sealed tube which inflates using internal vacuum after launch of the buoyancy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Phillip L. Gerwig
  • Publication number: 20120298088
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a system and method for delivering a projectile toward a target. The system includes a launcher and a propulsion system positioned within the launcher. The propulsion system includes a gas generator that produces enough gas within a certain period of time to direct the projectile from the launcher toward the target. The system for delivering a projectile may further include a targeting system that collects data regarding the location of the target. In addition, the launcher may include a venting system that exhausts a particular amount of gas from the launcher in order to direct the projectile from the launcher at a desired velocity based on data received from the targeting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Olden, Robert P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110220087
    Abstract: A rescue launcher system includes a reusable launcher and a one-time-use, pre-packed payload cartridge removably secured to the reusable launcher. The payload cartridge includes a plastic canister, a pressurization system located within the canister and selectively activated by reusable launcher, and a payload located within the canister and which is launched to a remote location upon actuation of the pressurization system. An actuation grip of the launcher selectively actuates the pressurization system, and an interlock is adapted to prevent actuation of the pressurization system unless the interlock and the actuation grip are simultaneously actuated. The payload can be a buoyancy device including a sealed tube and deflated foam within the sealed tube which inflates using internal vacuum after launch of the buoyancy device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip L. Gerwig
  • Patent number: 8011355
    Abstract: A cartridge-based air gun that fires a BB bullet or a resin bullet inside a cartridge using compressed gas, includes an engaging structure of an extractor that enables blowback and the automatic ejection of the cartridge. An extractor, which engages with a rim that is formed at the rear end of a cartridge loaded in a chamber, is pivotally provided on a side portion of a cylinder so as to be rotatable. A claw portion formed at the tip of the extractor engages with the rim of the cartridge by the urging force of a spring provided between the extractor and the cylinder. A slide moves rearward while the cartridge is held inside the chamber. As the cylinder moves rearward with the stopping of the supply of compressed gas from a gas reservoir, the cartridge comes into contact with an ejector, is released from the engagement by the extractor, and is ejected from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Marushinkogyo Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20110083653
    Abstract: A cartridge-based air gun that fires a BB bullet or a resin bullet inside a cartridge using compressed gas, includes an engaging structure of an extractor that enables blowback and the automatic ejection of the cartridge. An extractor, which engages with a rim that is formed at the rear end of a cartridge loaded in a chamber, is pivotally provided on a side portion of a cylinder so as to be rotatable. A claw portion formed at the tip of the extractor engages with the rim of the cartridge by the urging force of a spring provided between the extractor and the cylinder. A slide moves rearward while the cartridge is held inside the chamber. As the cylinder moves rearward with the stopping of the supply of compressed gas from a gas reservoir, the cartridge comes into contact with an ejector, is released from the engagement by the extractor, and is ejected from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Hiroshi KAWASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20110056471
    Abstract: A projectile (10) arranged to be launched from a launcher (12), the projectile comprising a source of compressed gas (1) and control means (23) for controlling the release of the compressed gas, in which the control means (24) is arranged so as to release the compressed gas in response to the launching of the projectile (10) from the launcher (12). Typically, the control means (24) is a valve, arranged such that the application of gas pressure from the launcher (12) is required in order to release the compressed gas, but the application of gas pressure must abate before the compressed gas is released. Thus, the compressed gas may only be released once the projectile (10) has cleared the launcher (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUMINATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony David Kilvert
  • Publication number: 20100199960
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved grenade which launches a plurality of pellet projectiles. The grenade includes a housing containing at least one spiral launch tube, said launch tube having a breech end and a muzzle end. A plurality of projectiles are loaded in the launch tube between the breech and muzzle ends. The grenade includes a gas reservoir for storing a compressed gas coupled to the breech end of the launch tube. A valve is interposed between the reservoir and the breech end of the launch tube for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the reservoir to the breech end of the launch tube. The valve is moveable between a closed state and an open state wherein said compressed gas enters the breech end of the launch tube to propel the projectiles from the muzzle end, the valve being biased towards its open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Carlton le Loong Chong
  • Patent number: 7549416
    Abstract: A launch vehicle includes an air pump, an injection valve, a connecting member, a trigger, and a projectile. Thus, the launch vehicle is operated on the ground and is also operated in a hand-held manner, thereby enhancing the amusement effect of the launch vehicle. In addition, the user only needs to hold the air pump and the trigger so as to launch the projectile easily and conveniently in an energy-saving manner, thereby facilitating the user operating the launch vehicle. Further, the launch vehicle has a simplified construction to perform the hand-held launching function, thereby decreasing the costs of fabrication. Further, the launch vehicle is further provided with a safety device to prevent the trigger from being triggered unintentionally to protect the user's safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Jeng-Chian Lin
  • Patent number: 7412975
    Abstract: A handheld gas propelled missile launcher which deploys projectiles of varying payloads through the muzzle, and a ballistic module for changing payloads expeditiously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Burton Raymond Dillon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070289585
    Abstract: A launch vehicle includes an air pump, an injection valve, a connecting member, a trigger, and a projectile. Thus, the launch vehicle is operated on the ground and is also operated in a hand-held manner, thereby enhancing the amusement effect of the launch vehicle. In addition, the user only needs to hold the air pump and the trigger so as to launch the projectile easily and conveniently in an energy-saving manner, thereby facilitating the user operating the launch vehicle. Further, the launch vehicle has a simplified construction to perform the hand-held launching function, thereby decreasing the costs of fabrication. Further, the launch vehicle is further provided with a safety device to prevent the trigger from being triggered unintentionally to protect the user's safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jeng-Chian Lin
  • Patent number: 7246613
    Abstract: A motor vehicle interdiction device with an elastic bladder inserted by hand or fired as an infrared seeking missile into an automobile exhaust pipe and inflated with a compressed gas cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C. Mohar
  • Patent number: 7083141
    Abstract: A self-propelled projectile which will maintain a straight trajectory through air or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Nitenson, Robert Cumings
  • Publication number: 20040074488
    Abstract: A paint ball gun magazine or a combined hopper/feeder apparatus is disclosed, where the magazine includes a closing assembly designed to allow the magazine to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball including a closable magazine. A paintball adapter is also disclosed, where the adapter includes a closing assembly designed to allow the adapter to transition between a closed state and an open state and to a paint ball gun including a closable magazine and/or a closable adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: AVALON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Ho, Kheng Phang
  • Patent number: 6619278
    Abstract: A projectile assembly that enables a compressed gas powered projectile to be fired from a traditional ammunition firearm. The projectile assembly includes a casing that is shaped like the casing of traditional ammunition. A projectile is set into the tip of the casing. Within the casing is located a compressed gas cartridge. The projectile assembly is loaded into the breech of a traditional firearm. Once the firearm is fired, the firing pin of the firearm strikes a piercing pin within the casing. The piercing pin, in turn, strikes and pierces the compressed gas cartridge. The gas pressure displaces the projectile from the tip of the casing and propels the projectile down and out the barrel of the firearm. The casing is designed so that a new compressed cartridge can be placed in the casing and the projectile replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6568170
    Abstract: A rocket with a high pressure propellant module, comprising a toy bottle rocket that uses gases generated from the reaction between baking soda and vinegar. A mechanism controls the release of the gas formed by the chemical reaction and allows the gas to reach a high pressure inside the rocket prior to release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Scientific Explorer, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Rives
  • Patent number: 6450160
    Abstract: A confetti discharge device includes a tube with an air cylinder located in one end of the tube and confetti packed in the tube between the cylinder and a discharge end of the tube. A release mechanism includes a stopper located in a mouth of the cylinder and a keeper. The keeper is held in place by a latch that is manually releaseable by a user to allow the stopper to come out of the mouth of the cylinder due to air pressure so that the air in the cylinder discharges the confetti from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Winco Fireworks International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jlang Ze Fu, Nie Ye Ji
  • Publication number: 20020083937
    Abstract: A confetti discharge device includes a tube with an air cylinder located in one end of the tube and confetti packed in the tube between the cylinder and a discharge end of the tube. A release mechanism includes a stopper located in a mouth of the cylinder and a keeper. The keeper is held in place by a latch that is manually releaseable by a user to allow the stopper to come out of the mouth of the cylinder due to air pressure so that the air in the cylinder discharges the confetti from the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jlang Ze Fu, Nie Ye Ji
  • Patent number: 6241634
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-propelled arrow, consisting of an otherwise conventional hunting or target practice arrow that is propelled by CO2 and water, thus providing additional thrust to the arrow when shot from a bow. String inertia causes a CO2 filled cartridge to strike the point of a puncture means which punctures the cartridge and releases charged CO2 into a water storage chamber which charges the water inside. The charged water becomes pressurized and actuates a pliable closure membrane to an open position in check valve fashion, thus releasing the pressurized water from the water storage chamber through the propellant jets in the rear of the arrow. This system accelerates the arrow and decreases the arrow drop, thereby increasing the range and speed of the arrow immensely. The CO2 cartridges may be replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: David L. Armer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6112734
    Abstract: A model gun with automatic bullet supplying mechanism comprises a pressure accumulating chamber from which a gas leading passage extends, a slider movable along a barrel structure, a pressure receiving portion fixed in the slider at the back of the barrel structure, a movable member provided with first and second inner spaces and arranged at the back of a bullet holding chamber, and a movable valve provided in the first inner space formed in the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Western Arms
    Inventor: Keiichi Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 5962805
    Abstract: A cartridge has a case comprising a body housed telescopically within a sleeve. The body encloses a main chamber which contains gas under pressure, and a valve mechanism for venting gas from the chamber into an expansion chamber. The pressure of the gas in the expansion chamber causes the body to move rearwardly relative to the sleeve to apply a force to the breech block of the weapon in which the cartridge is used, thereby to initiate the reloading cycle. Gas is vented from the expansion chamber to eject a projectile when a spigot projecting from the body is withdrawn from an aperture in the end wall of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Constantia (International) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 5947738
    Abstract: A simulated weapon includes a pressure switch within the simulated weapon's barrel. The pressure switch responds to pressure changes within the weapon barrel to activate a light emitter. In response, the light emitter emits a beam of light that simulates weapon fire by indicating the aim of the simulated weapon. Pressure changes within the barrel are induced by a conventional air cartridge that emits a blast of air when struck by the firing pin of the simulated weapon. The user can thus produce the simulated fire by activating the simulated weapon's trigger to trip the hammer and drive the firing pin into the air cartridge. In another embodiment, the simulated weapon activates a nonlethal pyrotechnic round. Simulated fire is produced in response to detection of the recoil, force, or pressure change produced by the pyrotechnic round. The simulated weapon may be a pistol, rifle or any other conventional hand held weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Erwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5909000
    Abstract: A shooting system providing a barrel with an open forward end and a closed rear end and a projectile containing a propellant under pressure located in the barrel. A wad in the bore has a forward holding member allowing the rearward portion of the projectile to be moved rearwardly in the bore and be longitudinally slidably frictionally fitted in the holding member while the holding member is in sealing engagement circumferentially of and between the barrel and the projectile whereby the projectile is in a loaded state. The holding member also allows the projectile to move forwardly out of the holding member in the firing state. The wad also has a rearward sealing portion in circumferential sealing engagement with the barrel and radially spaced from the rearward portion of the projectile whereby the closed rearward end of the bore, the sealing member, and the projectile form a firing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
  • Patent number: 5839940
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid jet propelled rocket launcher and rocket. More specifically, it is directed to a toy which propels a rocket in a generally upward direction by a liquid-gas propulsion combination. Further, the present invention utilizes a rocket with a liquid reservoir, and in one embodiment an air pump supplies pressurized air into the rocket which has been previously charged with water while in its launch position, and the rocket is subsequently launched by a manually operated trigger mechanism. In another embodiment dry ice is introduced into the rocket's water containing reservoir and is thereby charged with gaseous carbon dioxide as the dry ice sublimates. In a third embodiment water and dry ice are charged into a container from whence the water and pressurized carbon dioxide is flowed through a conduit to charge a rocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gary E Ensmenger
  • Patent number: 5791327
    Abstract: A combination cartridge ?21! and grip ?20! for propelling a projectile ?28! having frangible walls ?89! forming a cavity ?93! for holding a disabling agent such that when the projectile strikes an object it will burst and spread the agent over the target, and wherein the cartridge includes a chamber ?27A! for receiving a projectile and the grip includes a firing assemblies ?46A!, moveable between cocked and uncocked positions, and a trigger actuator ?37A! for allowing the associated firing assembly to move from the cocked to the uncocked position, with means for latching the cartridge to the grip including cocking means for cocking the firing assembly when the cartridge and grip are latched together, and means for propelling the projectile from the cartridge towards the object in response to the firing assembly being activated by the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Code-Eagle, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Riggs, deceased, Bernard K. Hymmen, Karl H. Hymmen
  • Patent number: 5786546
    Abstract: A non-lethal incapacitating device comprises a pair of projectiles and trailing wires packaged in a cartridge mountable on the head of a stungun. The cartridge assembly includes a pair of light and directionally stable and non-invasive projectiles having tubular plastic flares, expanded trailing wire coiled in double layers on a rotating magazine, a simple gas capsule side-piercing mechanism, and a compact housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Anton K. Simson
  • Patent number: 5713342
    Abstract: A capsule loaded with a pressurized gas has a single front aperture sealed by an internal plug made of resilient material. The cartridge is loaded by placing it inside a pressurized chamber, then drawing the internal plug against the aperture before decompressing the chamber. A self-propelling embodiment comprises an expellable volume of liquid stored in the rear section of the cartridge in contact with its puncturable base, and separated from the pressurized gas by a floating piston. The base is concavely formed into a bell shape to focus the expelled liquid in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Anton K. Simson
  • Patent number: 5700972
    Abstract: A cartridge has a case comprising a body (10) housed telescopically within a sleeve (14). The body encloses a main chamber (21) which contains gas under pressure, and a valve mechanism for venting gas from the chamber (21) into an expansion chamber (61). The pressure of the gas in the expansion chamber causes the body (10) to move rearwardly relative to the sleeve (14) to apply a force to the breech block of the weapon in which the cartridge is used, thereby to initiate the reloading cycle. Gas is vented from the expansion chamber to eject a projectile when a spigot (51) projecting from the body is withdrawn from an aperture (53) in the end wall of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Constantia (International) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Saxby
  • Patent number: 5652405
    Abstract: A shooting system discharges a projectile having a chamber that stores a compressible fluid in a compressed state and having a valve mounted in a rear end of the projectile. The shooting system includes a longitudinal barrel having an opening on a front end and having a cap on a rear end. The projectile is movable within the barrel. The rear end of the projectile, the barrel, and the cap form a chamber. A striker is disposed in the cap for opening the valve of the projectile to release the fluid into the chamber to urge the projectile toward the opening of the barrel as the fluid is released. The projectile forms a hermetic seal between the projectile and the barrel to substantially contain the released fluid in the chamber until the projectile exits the opening of the barrel. A stabilizer, such as fins, may be detachably mounted to the opening of the barrel so that the projectile contacts the stabilizer and urges the stabilizer into flight to stabilize the discharged projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Mikhail A. Rakov
  • Patent number: 5588896
    Abstract: A rocket launching pad-like device for inflating and ejecting toy balloons that permits a balloon to be mounted directly on the device, permits the balloon to be inflated while mounted on the device, shields a child's face and eyes during inflation of the balloon, and forcibly ejects the inflated balloon from the device on demand. An efficient ramming surface enables use of the device with balloons of a range of sizes. A docking station may be used to group a plurality of inflation and ejection devices to provide a multiple balloon launching toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory L. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5499619
    Abstract: A gun for projecting a dart underwater to inject a gas into an underwater animal. The inventive device includes a gun body having a barrel projecting therefrom. A dart having a pressurized propellant is punctured by the gun and caused to exit the gun barrel. Upon striking a fish, the dart injects a volume of gas into the fish to disable and render buoyant the fish for capture. The device can be utilized for self defense, as well as for hunting and capturing of underwater animals and/or fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph A. Tarta
  • Patent number: 5415153
    Abstract: The present invention involves a liquid jet propelled rocket and rocket launcher. The launcher has a housing which includes a vessel for holding pressurized air therein, an inlet to the vessel and an outlet from the vessel. Also, the housing has a jet tube receiver extending from the outlet and adapted to connect with a jet tube of a rocket assembly. A pump is connected to the vessel inlet of the housing, the pump is connected for and capable of pumping air into the vessel at a pressure sufficient to launch the rocket assembly. A one way valve is connected to the pump and permits the flow of air only from the pump to the vessel. There is a rocket assembly latch mechanism located on the housing with means for releasing the latch. There are also, a rocket assembly which includes a liquid reservoir for receiving liquid and subsequently receiving air under pressure from the pump, a jet tube extending from the liquid reservoir and adapted to sealably and releasably connect to said jet tube receiver of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 5396830
    Abstract: A gas-propelled line deployment device is operable for orthogonally deplog two antenna lines to a distance of greater than one hundred feet. The device includes first, second and third tubes, closed at one end and open at one end, the first and second tubes being arranged perpendicular to each other and the third tube being arranged along the resulting vector of the axes of the perpendicular tubes. The first and second tubes have wire-carrying projectiles received therein and the third tube has a recoil piston received therein, said projectiles and piston making a gas tight seal with their respective tube. The recoil piston has a larger cross-sectional area than each of the first and second wire-carrying projectiles. The device further includes a retainer mechanism which is operable for retaining the wire-carrying projectiles and the recoil piston within their respective tubes until a predetermined gas pressure is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Kornblith, Stephen Soszynski
  • Patent number: 5353779
    Abstract: Apparatus for a gas charged and initiating mechanism launches a projectile f a relatively low mass at a low velocity. The apparatus has a chamber which has an opening at one end. A burst diaphragm is seated within this opening and seals it. The opening also houses the projectile. A check valve is mounted in an aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. The compressed gas is charged through the check valve. The bursting of the diaphragm is accomplished by a pointed rod protruding from the rear of the projectile or by an electrically-powered squib associated with the diaphragm. The bursting of the diaphragm provides a quick-acting means for releasing the compressed gas whereby the projectile is accelerated down the barrel of a weapon. Additionally, a safety device is mounted within the cartridge for preventing the accidental functioning of the launching projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of Americas as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David H. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5197452
    Abstract: The present invention involves a liquid jet propelled transporter and launcher toy. The launcher has a housing with a reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of liquid therein less than the volume of a transporter container and related to that volume. There is a reservoir fill port and cap to enable a user to fill the reservoir and close it. The launcher has a jet tube receiver adapted to receive a jet tube of a transporter. A pump is connected to the housing with a manually actuated pump and a one way valve from the pump to the reservoir. There is a transporter latch mechanism located on the housing and a release for releasing the latch mechanism so as to launch a transporter. The transporter includes a container for receiving liquid from the reservoir of the housing and a jet tube extending from the container which is adapted to fit onto the jet tube located in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventors: Lonnie G. Johnson, Bruce M. D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 5188557
    Abstract: A toy rocket to include a cylindrical body formed with a conical upper end portion, with the conical end portion formed of a flexible material, the cylindrical body formed of a rigid material and including a launcher structure, including a first conduit to receive a pneumatic air supply therethrough, with a first conduit orthogonally oriented and in pneumatic communication with a second conduit. The second conduit terminating in a sivel connection, with the swivel connection mounting a mounting tube thereon. The mounting tube is arranged for projection through a floor of the rocket into a first chamber containing a fluid propulsion medium therewithin. Pressurizing of the first chamber effects subsequent release of the rocket relative to the mounting tube for projection along a trajectory of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Randall L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5078117
    Abstract: A projectile propellant device is adapted to supply a compressed gas from a compressed gas container for providing the propulsion force for a projectile or for providing the operating force for a gas powered device. The propellant device includes a gas container containing a volume of gas at sufficient pressure for applying a desired force upon release, and a compressed gas releasing structure for producing a release opening in the compressed gas container in response to the detonation of a pyrotechnic material. The release opening releases the compressed gas for applying the desired force, such as a propulsion force to propel a projectile. The gas releasing structure preferably includes a pyrotechnic charge device and a puncturing device both mounted within a suitable device housing along with the gas container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: John H. Cover
  • Patent number: 4998368
    Abstract: A disposable firearm cleaning device and method are disclosed for cleaning the chamber and bore of a firearm, especially in the field. The cleaning device comprises a compressed gas cartridge which is supported in the chamber of the firearm in spaced relation to the walls thereof. A spring-loaded valve actuable by the firing pin of the firearm is adapted to release the compressed gas which flows between the cartridge and chamber walls and out the bore of the firearm to clean the chamber and bore. A second valve mounted to the cartridge allows the cartridge to be recharged with gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Richard A. Blase
  • Patent number: 4843750
    Abstract: A disposable firearm cleaning device and method are disclosed for cleaning the chamber and bore of a firearm, especially in the field. The cleaning device comprises a rupturable compressed gas cartridge which is supported in the chamber of the firearm in spaced relation to the walls thereof. A puncturing pin actuable by the firing pin of the firearm is adapted to rupture a disc on the end of the cartridge to release the compressed gas which flows between the cartridge and chamber walls and out the bore of the firearm to clean the chamber and bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Richard A. Blase
  • Patent number: 4697523
    Abstract: A simple to manufacture high pressure rechargeable ammunition cartridge comprising a hollow pressure casing 20 providing a gas storage space 19 to hold compressed gas therein, with a discharge passage 25 in a front part of said casing said gas storage space; an actuation passage 24 extending into said casing from the rear; a valve opening 52 at a front end of said actuation passage, and a valve member which has a normal position wherein it closes said valve opening and blocks said discharge passage, and is movable bodily forwards as shown from said normal position to open both said valve opening and said discharge passage to allow gas to escape from the pressure casing directly through both of said passages to drive a missile. The valve member may be modified so as to be dischargeable from the cartridge and may form part of a missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Hilvenna Limited
    Inventor: Michael E. Saxby
  • Patent number: 4601278
    Abstract: A bullet is fired from an ammunition cartridge upon piercing a breakaway section in the rear wall of the cartridge to form a gas escape port. The cartridge has one open end in which is seated the bullet and the breakaway section of the rear wall is directly opposite the bullet. A moveable sealing element is adapted to move between two positions. One position seals off the opening in the one end, and the other position is displaced from the opening to allow gas to escape under pressure from the opening. Piston-type element, in response to the housing wall being pierced, stops the flow of gas from this escape port and moves the sealing element from the first to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Hyung S. Kim