Weights And Balances Patents (Class 42/97)
  • Patent number: 11287216
    Abstract: A pistol has a frame having a grip, an elongated slide connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate on the frame between a forward battery position and a rear position, the elongated slide having opposed forward and rear ends, a rear sight connected proximate the rear end of the elongated slide, the frame including a front sight support element at a forward frame end forward of the forward end of the elongated slide when the elongated slide is in the forward battery position, and the front sight support element including a front sight operably registered with the rear sight when the elongated slide is in the forward battery position. The elongated slide may define a passage receiving a barrel defining a muzzle aperture, and wherein the front sight support element defines an opening registered with the muzzle aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: David W. Padovan
  • Patent number: 10801796
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle attachment includes an attachment mount with a clutch assembly. A muzzle attachment can be secured to the distal end portion of the attachment mount. The attachment mount is configured to removably attach the muzzle attachment to a muzzle adapter installed on the end of a barrel. A clutch assembly on the attachment mount is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the clutch assembly frictionally engages the muzzle adapter to inhibit loosening rotation of the muzzle attachment relative to the muzzle adapter. In the unlocked position, the clutch assembly disengages from the muzzle adapter to permit loosening rotation of the attachment mount relative to the muzzle adapter. A method of use and a locking nut are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SIG SAUER, INC.
    Inventor: Krzysztof J. Kras
  • Patent number: 10767954
    Abstract: A barrel harmonizing assembly and method for a firearm in which a cylindrical harmonizer sleeve, as well as a pair of tuning nuts which are threadedly positioned on the harmonizer sleeve for longitudinal tuning movement, are positioned around the barrel, rather than projecting from the forward end of the barrel, in order to provide improved tuning and to permit the use, as part of the assembly, of a flash hider, a recoil compensator, a suppressor or other device on the end of the barrel to further improve the accuracy of the barrel and/or provide other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Charles M. Howard
  • Patent number: 10760868
    Abstract: A weighted replica firearm is operable to be handled by a user for simulated firearm training. The firearm includes a firearm receiver, a barrel weight support, and barrel weights. The barrel weights are selectively mounted to the barrel weight support. Each barrel weight includes a corresponding weight connection interface removably interconnecting with a support connection interface of the barrel weight support when the barrel weight is mounted to the barrel weight support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Fitness Combat Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Cory R. Schwendemann, Cetin S. Duvenci
  • Patent number: 10488139
    Abstract: Methods and interface devices for attaching to a firearm muzzle a suppressor having a rearward end with a threaded portion. The interface device includes an elongated body portion having a first end portion, a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion. The body portion defines a bore therethrough, and the bore defines a longitudinally-extending central axis. The first end of the body portion defines a threaded engagement portion configured to threadingly engage the threaded portion of the firearm muzzle. The exterior surface of the body portion defines visible indicia indicating a preselected position, whereby upon the suppressor being threadingly engaged with the threaded engagement portion and rotated such that the rearward end suppressor is at a preselected position relative to the indicia, the suppressor is properly tightened with respect to the interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Rugged Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Graham, II, Michael Derdziak
  • Patent number: 10132588
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an accessory to the muzzle end of a firearm includes an accessory such as a silencer or sound suppressor, a muzzle adapter, and a multi-functional assembly, disassembly and locking device that locks the muzzle adapter onto the body of the suppressor. An end of the device is also configured to mate with the muzzle adapter to provide torque to selectively assemble or disassemble the muzzle adapter to the suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DAVINCI ARMS LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Salvador
  • Patent number: 10066898
    Abstract: An improved firearm. The improved firearm includes a barreled action; a stock; and a support located between the barreled action and the stock. In one preferred embodiment, the support includes a center support rail and a pair of side rails located parallel to the center support rail. In another preferred embodiment of the inventions, the firearm also includes a harmonic tuner assembly for the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Savage Arms, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Coburn, Scott Warburton
  • Patent number: 8943947
    Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: LWRC International LLC
    Inventor: Jesus S. Gomez
  • Patent number: 8595971
    Abstract: A viscoelastic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a shroud, the shroud defining a shroud wall and a chamber within the shroud wall, a barrel, the barrel disposed within the chamber of the shroud and defining a barrel wall having an outer surface, and a viscoelastic dampening material, the viscoelastic dampening material disposed within and substantially filling a volume defined by the outer surface of the barrel and the shroud wall, wherein the barrel further includes one or more contour features adapted to disrupt the axial propagation of acoustic energy along the barrel wall. In at least one embodiment, the one or more contour features may include a plurality of parallel barrel walls, radial grooves, or steps formed in the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130247439
    Abstract: A viscoelastic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a shroud, the shroud defining a shroud wall and a chamber within the shroud wall, a barrel, the barrel disposed within the chamber of the shroud and defining a barrel wall having an outer surface, and a viscoelastic dampening material, the viscoelastic dampening material disposed within and substantially filling a volume defined by the outer surface of the barrel and the shroud wall, wherein the barrel further includes one or more contour features adapted to disrupt the axial propagation of acoustic energy along the barrel wall. In at least one embodiment, the one or more contour features may include a plurality of parallel barrel walls, radial grooves, or steps formed in the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8448371
    Abstract: A weight for the tubular magazine of Remington model 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. The main body has two longitudinal channels which prevent the weight from turning. The collar has a rim which fits against the end of a magazine tube. The collar has 24 teeth which intermesh with teeth in a magazine cap, which prevents the cap from coming loose when shooting. The collar has a recess in the center, to accept the inside part of a magazine cap sling swivel. The smallest diameter section holds the magazine spring in place. The magazine weight is compatable with Remington shotguns manufactured prior to the use of the magazine spring retainer and cap detent system. The invention adds weight to a shotgun to reduce felt or perceived recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Brian Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8312663
    Abstract: A harmonic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a barrel. According to at least one embodiment, a harmonic barrel dampener comprises an outer portion that substantially encases or enwraps a significant portion of barrel, and wherein the harmonic barrel dampener further comprises at least one acoustic dampening material contained between the outer portion and a weapon's barrel, resulting in improved accuracy of projectiles fired from the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8245432
    Abstract: An adjustable recoil reducing shooting rest disclosed. The shooting rest may be adjusted to absorb differing amounts of recoil from various rifles to prevent rifle bounce that may add to aim inaccuracy. The user may also adjust both the horizontal and vertical aim of the rifle to consistently aim at the same location after multiple shots. The shooting rest may be secured to an unmodified support surface, and the rest consistently supports the butt stock of the rifle regardless of the vertical angle of the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Letson
  • Publication number: 20120180352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for using a cartridge case as a tool to install or remove firearm accessories such as a barrel attachment. The barrel attachment includes a coupling section for attaching the barrel attachment to a firearm barrel. The barrel attachment also includes a rim channel for engaging a portion of the rim of a cartridge case. This rim channel provides mechanical leverage by enabling a user to apply force on the engaged cartridge case to rotate the barrel attachment around a bore axis of the firearm barrel. In some embodiments, the rim channel is an integral portion of a cartridge rim slot machined into the exterior part of the barrel attachment. Ideally, the rim channel includes a curved portion to increase the load-bearing contact area. The rim channel can also be adapted to accept different case rim sizes. Multiple rim slots can be machined into the barrel attachment, allowing the user to spread out the forces amongst multiple cartridge cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Addis
  • Publication number: 20120131829
    Abstract: This presented invention relates to the ability of individual, firearms owners and representatives of the law enforcement, military and governmental entities to enhance the pointability and shootability of their firearms, there is provided a firearm accessory including a handgun, a body including at least one securer for readily securing said handgun to the firearm accessory, wherein the securer is selected from the group consisting of: a grip securer, a racker and a trigger guard securer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Action Items Limited
    Inventors: Nismi Fistikchi, Liran Monson, Ori Gur-Ari
  • Patent number: 8176671
    Abstract: A weapon barrel of an automatic firearm is subject to bending oscillations during firing. A damping device is provided for damping the bending oscillations and to at least largely dissipate the kinetic energy of the bending oscillations by friction processes which are initiated by the bending oscillations, between two respective successive shots in the firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Pfersman, Alfred Eckel, Kai Willner, Johannes Geisler
  • Patent number: 8132352
    Abstract: Multiple improvements dramatically increase the reliability and accuracy of a handgun. By combining a plurality of improvements, the accuracy and reliability of a M1911-A1 is dramatically increased. The improvements include a modified sighting system that enables the user to accurately adjust for varying target ranges without losing sight of the targets or altering contact with the weapon. Lubrication notches are incised into the slide/frame interaction regions to prevent fouling. An ambidextrous safety is added that is retained by an interaction with the sear chip shaft. The hammer is modified to provide a region in which foreign matter can migrate to prevent fouling and improve reliability. And the interaction between the sear chip and the hammer is modified to provide a decreased trigger pull that maintains a positive and safe contact between the sear and the hammer at the sear ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Karl C. Lippard
  • Patent number: 8028611
    Abstract: A damping device is disclosed which dampens movement of a weapon on an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Charles Loundsbury
  • Patent number: 8011129
    Abstract: A shooting rest supports a firearm and reduces recoil energy of the firearm. The shooting rest has a rear support and a front support for supporting the firearm and a frame connecting the rear support and the front support. The frame supports at least one weight to reduce the amount of recoil energy felt by a shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Cauley, Tim Morrow
  • Publication number: 20110107647
    Abstract: A harmonic barrel dampener operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon having a barrel. According to at least one embodiment, a harmonic barrel dampener comprises an outer portion that substantially encases or enwraps a significant portion of barrel, and wherein the harmonic barrel dampener further comprises at least one acoustic dampening material contained between the outer portion and a weapon's barrel, resulting in improved accuracy of projectiles fired from the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher David Johnson
  • Patent number: 7870814
    Abstract: A damping device is disclosed which dampens movement of a weapon on an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 7676980
    Abstract: An apparatus for mass-tuning a gun barrel comprises a body portion configured for attachment to the gun barrel. The body portion includes a main bore therethrough and defines a plurality of predetermined mass attachment locations. Each mass attachment location comprises a mating portion configured to engage a complimentary mating portion of a mass attachment. In some embodiments, mass attachments can be used to configure the total mass of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Terrence Dwight Bender
  • Patent number: 7493845
    Abstract: A recoil mechanism for a gun with a frame, a barrel and a slide, has a cylinder with a rear with external flange and an internal diaphragm spaced forwardly of the flange and between a rear chamber and a front chamber in the cylinder. A nut is fixed to the frame and an axle has a rear end threaded to the nut and extends in the cylinder. The axle has a collar trapped in the front chamber by the diaphragm. A first spring around the cylinder, has a front end abutting the slide and a rear end abutting the flange. A second spring extending at least partly in the rear chamber has a rear end abutting the nut and a front end abutting the diaphragm. A third spring in the front chamber, is shorter in length than the front chamber. A recoil adjusting plug is used with or without the recoil mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Dimitrios Mantas
  • Publication number: 20090025268
    Abstract: An apparatus for mass-tuning a gun barrel comprises a body portion configured for attachment to the gun barrel. The body portion includes a main bore therethrough and defines a plurality of predetermined mass attachment locations. Each mass attachment location comprises a mating portion configured to engage a complimentary mating portion of a mass attachment. In some embodiments, mass attachments can be used to configure the total mass of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Terrence Dwight Bender
  • Publication number: 20070271833
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling vibrations of a firearm barrel to increase firing accuracy and shot uniformity. A post is attached to the firearm barrel, and a locking bolt is screwed into the post. In the case of a rifle or similar weapon, the bolt preferably extends through an escutcheon which serves to attach the stock to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Kent A. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7231822
    Abstract: A machine for balancing a rotating member includes hard bearing balancing apparatus for determining the magnitude and circumaxial location of imbalance. A sensor responds to the position of the rotating member. A computer receives signals from the balancing apparatus and the sensor and determines the location of one or more projectiles to be fired at the member. A firing mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator fires the projectiles in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to position the projectiles as required for balancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Bergquist Torrington Company
    Inventors: Gary L. Peresada, Christopher E. Emr, Russel H. Marvin
  • Patent number: 7055276
    Abstract: A damper for reducing recoil and vibrations during and after firing a firearm may comprise a resilient member and a weight. The resilient member may mounted to a portion of a firearm having a surface suitable for engaging and retaining the resilient member therein, and the resilient member may have an inside surface suitable for engaging and retaining the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Mathew A. McPherson
  • Patent number: 6688031
    Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable gun stock for AR-15, M-16, and SR-25 type rifles for use in competition shooting events, having multiple cheek pieces, and adjustable length of pull, weight, drop, and cant. The gun stock being mounted using the original gun stock mounting means without modification after removal of the original gun stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald Dale Steele
  • Patent number: 6477802
    Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Les C. Baer, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020073596
    Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Les C. Baer
  • Patent number: 6345463
    Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Les C. Baer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5907921
    Abstract: A ballistic optimizing system for use on a rifle comprises an axially movable weight threadedly secured to the end of a rifle barrel such that movement of the weight can be used to change vibrational characteristics of the rifle when it is fired. By damping vibrations of the barrel at the muzzle, a bullet can exit the barrel at the point of minimal vertical deflection so that accuracy is improved. To secure the weight element into a desired position, a tooth on a spring carried on the weight is received into one of a plurality of axial grooves equally spaced around the circumference of the rifle barrel. Additionally, a compression spring in an annular space between the barrel and the weight applies greater frictional engagement between the threads of the weight and the threads of the barrel so that alignment of the weight with respect to the barrel is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: FN Manufacturing Inc
    Inventors: Clyde E Rose, Edward P Schmitter
  • Patent number: 5860242
    Abstract: A tubular shaped collar (22) of predetermined mass having internal threads (23) and an internal tapered area (21) which is threaded onto a tubular shaped insert (26) of flexible composition that has threads (44) that match the threads (23) of the collar and is tapered in a manner to match the taper (21) of the collar. The insert has a plural of longitudinal slits (25) in the tapered area. The insert is threaded into the collar and the collar and insert are slid over the muzzle end of a firearm barrel where they are locked in place by tightening the collar onto the insert whereby the predetermined angle of the taper (21) of the collar compresses the insert tightly against a firearm barrel. The insert and collar are adjustably positioned on the firearm barrel and held in place while being tightened by a tubular shaped tool (32) which has means of mating with the insert and has a means of calibration to determine the relative position of the collar and insert on a firearm barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Pat O'Neil
  • Patent number: 5827992
    Abstract: A known gas operated firearm has been modified to be of more compact size and reduced weight while retaining the firepower, the features, and most of the components of its predecessor. A bolt assembly reciprocably mounted in a longitudinal cavity of a receiver assembly for movement between recoil and battery positions has a forwardly facing pressure surface and first and second longitudinally extending coaxial bores. The annular flange of a firing pin is slidable in the second bore and the bolt assembly includes a transversely extending retaining pin engageable by the annular flange to define an aftward terminal position of the firing pin. A recoil assembly includes a pair of tungsten weights mounted in the longitudinal cavity for rectilinear movement with the bolt assembly between the recoil and battery positions and includes means to bias the bolt assembly toward the battery position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Harris, James F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5798473
    Abstract: An apparatus or apparatus system for vibration control, by harmonic optimization technology, of vibrations in the cantilever or barrel, portion of a device from which projectile is fired or launched along the centerline of the cantilever. More particularly this invention relates to rifles, where the rifle barrel is a cantilever portion, and methods and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of firing projectiles. The invention is principally directed to a method and apparatus including a mass device affixed to a flexible cylinder extension at the muzzle end, inertial mass devices, having combustion pressure reduction features, affixed intermediate the muzzle end and the cartridge chamber, and a spring suspension system between barrel and rifle stock affixed proximal to the cartridge chamber. This system decreases the angular dispersion of barrel vibrations at the muzzle resulting from the firing of projectiles through such barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventors: Steven Roblyer, Kevin Schwinkendorf
  • Patent number: 5794374
    Abstract: The gun barrel stabilizer system of the present invention increases or optimizes the accuracy of guns including small arms and artillery. The invention consists of a device called a gun barrel stabilizer rigidly attached at the gun muzzle, and extending toward the gun breech, without further contact with the gun barrel or other gun components. The device responds to the same forces which cause recoil motion and, by virtue of its cantilever nature, resists angular deflection of the gun muzzle during firing. The stabilizer system, in an optimized state, serves to maintain the final segment of the gun barrel at the muzzle moving though a locus of parallel positions up to the time of projectile release. In the absence of angular deflection at the muzzle, gun accuracy is increased to a maximum allowed by the remaining limitations of cartridge performance and barrel bore quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: David L. Crandall
  • Patent number: 5758447
    Abstract: An improvement in a device for absorbing the recoil of a rifle fired while extending above a horizontal surface with the barrel of the rifle supported by a rest member. The improvement is a weighted bag member resting freely on and unattached to the horizontal surface. The weighted bag member includes a first strap which extends along the stock and around the butt of the rifle, and a second strap which is attached to the first strap and extends over the stock of the rifle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Louis M. Venetz
  • Patent number: 5711102
    Abstract: Our integral user configurable sniper rifle stock comprises a wide forearm and a relatively narrow carry portion extending rearwardly from the forearm. An action mounting portion extends rearwardly from the carry portion. An angled relatively vertical, stippled grip extends rearwardly and downwardly from the receiver portion. An open rear stock portion extends rearwardly from the grip. The carry portion is narrower and thinner than the forearm. The action mounting, grip and rear portions are generally as wide as the carry portion. The forearm comprises a forend having an angled base and a flat serrated base portion extending rearwardly from the forend. A "T" channel rail is disposed within the angled base to mount a bipod. The folded legs of a bipod lie along the barrel. The grip defines a weight receptive cavity. A trigger guard extends from the receiver portion to the grip. The rear stock portion comprises upper and lower braces with a butt extending vertically between rear extents of the braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Choate Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Plaster, Garth L. Choate
  • Patent number: 5698810
    Abstract: A convertible ballistic optimizing system includes a main body portion adjustably secured to the muzzle end of a firearm. A retainer, such as a lock nut, is utilized to secure the main body portion in a particular axially position to change vibrational characteristics of the firearm barrel so that the bullet exits the muzzle end of the firearm when the barrel is undergoing the least amount of transverse movement. The main body portion includes a plurality of apertures that function as a muzzle brake when a weight element is attached to the outlet end of the main body portion. Alternatively, in place of the weight, a sleeved end piece can be secured to the outlet end of the main body portion to cover the apertures, thereby disabling the muzzle brake feature, without adversely affecting the inherent accuracy of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Browning Arms Company
    Inventor: Clyde E. Rose
  • Patent number: 5689907
    Abstract: An inert magazine for replacing a loaded magazine in a gun having a magazine chamber, the inert magazine includes a ballast, sized and shaped to be received into the magazine well of the gun, and means for removably retaining the ballast in the magazine well of the gun. The inert magazine is approximately the same weight as the weight of a loaded magazine for the gun. In a preferred embodiment, the ballast comprises a plastic shell filled with ballasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Bennie W. Cooley
  • Patent number: 5678345
    Abstract: A barrel stabilization unit is provided for stabilizing a barrel and controlling recoil of a rifle or shotgun having a barrel guide means for providing a fulcrum attachment point adjustably along the barrel of a rifle or shotgun, and fillable ballast containment means affixed to said barrel guide means for providing a counter ballast at said fulcrum attachment point, and an attachment means affixed to said fillable ballast containment means for firmly connecting the barrel stabilization unit to a rifle or shotgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Jerry Michael Gnade
  • Patent number: 5509345
    Abstract: A tubular adapter (12) is clamped onto the muzzle (16) of a firearm (18). The adapter (12) is axially split where it surrounds the muzzle (16). A clamp ring (38) surrounds fingers (44) which are between the splits (28) and squeezes the fingers (44) diametrically inwardly into tight clamping engagement with the muzzle (16). The clamp ring (38) is made from a material that shrinks when it is heated. The adapter (12) includes external threads (20) and axial grooves (64) formed in the threads (20) which are spaced circumferentially about the adapter (12). A tubular weight member (14) is attached to the adapter (12) by internal threads (26) which mate with the external threads (20) on the adapter. One or more detent balls (46, 48) carried by the weight (14) enter into the grooves (64) and serve to lock the weight (14) into set positions on the adapter (12). The detent bails (46, 48) and grooves (64) provide for an axial position adjustment of the tubular weight (14) in discreet increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: James M. Cyktich
  • Patent number: 5423145
    Abstract: A harmonic vibration tuning device is provided in the forestock of a rifle engaging a cantilevered barrel forward of the rifle action, for the purpose of effecting a change the harmonic vibration frequency of the barrel, that is generated, as a projectile moves through the barrel to the muzzle. This adjustable change in the harmonic vibration frequency of the barrel causing a controllable change in the impact placement of a plurality of fired projectiles. The harmonic vibration tuning device of the preferred embodiment includes a containment assembly that is mounted in a cavity formed in the forestock. The assembly includes a threaded adjustment shaft extending horizontally through the assembly with the shaft being threadedly mated with a reactive contact means. The reactive contact means, of the preferred embodiment, engages the surface of the barrel permitting a force to be exerted between the forestock and the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: James L. Nasset
  • Patent number: 5279200
    Abstract: A ballistic optimizing system for use on a preferably bedded rifle comprising a movable weight element secured to the end of a rifle barrel such that said weight element can be moved axially along said barrel to change the effective weight applied for dampening purposes and having an indicator for indicating the relative position of said weight element on said barrel and further including an additional weight releasably secured to said movable weight element and ports through said weight element to allow gas escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Browning
    Inventor: Clyde E. Rose
  • Patent number: 5223650
    Abstract: A tilt or cant indicator for telescopic sights incorporates a gravity responsive device aligned with the reticle or vertical crosshair of the sight. A pendulum device incorporating a pointer is installed with its rotational axis intersecting the vertical crosshair such that canting is indicated when the vertical crosshair is not the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Charles A. Finn
  • Patent number: 5016378
    Abstract: An apparatus including an illumination member cooperative with a mechanical bolt, whereupon in a lowered position the apparatus effects blockage of an associated trigger of the firearm within the firearm mechanism while in a raised second position and effects electrical contact to further effect illumination of an indicator to provide visual indication of the firearm in a selective firing position. Alternatively, the mechanism may be oriented to effect illumination during the safety being in an engaged position with the associated trigger. Further modifications of the invention include a selective cover to overlie the illumination member, as well as a selective polarized lens support member to permit orientation of a variety of lenses into operative association with the illumination member to accommodate various light conditions in a shooting environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Sain
  • Patent number: 4715140
    Abstract: A compensator for a handgun comprises a barrel bushing having a first end inserted into the forward end of a slide and slidably receiving the barrel, and a second end projecting away from the barrel and slidably receiving a compensator weight having an external shape which conforms to and forms an extension of the slide. A bias spring mounted in the chamber beneath the barrel has a spring rod extending therethrough, the forward end of which projects into an opening in the lower end of the compensator weight. A projection on the barrel bushing retains a spring plug, slidably mounted on the spring rod, in a position to preload the spring and normaly urge the compensator weight toward the barrel. At least one threaded member provided in the compensator weight secures the compensator weight to the spring rod to prevent the compensator weight from experiencing either axial of rotational movement relative to the spring rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventor: Fred Rosenwald
  • Patent number: 4599934
    Abstract: This invention relates to firearms, such as shotguns, which utilize gas pressure developed by the explosion in the barrel to automatically eject the spent cartridge case or shell. A structure is provided for venting the expanding gases developed by the explosion so that the automatic shell ejection mechanism will not function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: Larry A. Palmer
  • Patent number: RE35381
    Abstract: A ballistic optimizing system for use on a preferably bedded rifle comprising a movable weight element secured to the end of a rifle barrel such that said weight element can be moved axially along said barrel to change the effective weight applied for .Iadd.vibration .Iaddend.dampening purposes and having an indicator for indicating the relative position of said weight element on said barrel and further including an additional weight releasably secured to said movable weight element and ports through said weight element to allow gas escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Browning
    Inventor: Clyde E. Rose