Having A Reaction Mass Patents (Class 89/1.701)
  • Patent number: 11703291
    Abstract: An automatic recoilless firearm comprising a gun barrel and a compensating mass launch tube in which a projectile is accelerated in one direction inside said gun barrel counterbalanced by a compensating mass accelerated in the opposite direction inside said launch tube thereby minimizing recoil and further providing means of automatic ammunition handling. Said firearm further comprises a bolt or bolts and barrels configured to reduce or eliminate transmission of momentum and mechanical energy to the gun barrels and/or gun body during an operation of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Zhisong Huang
  • Patent number: 11346621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recoilless apparatus for firing conventional cartridge-based ammunitions comprising a gun barrel and a compensating mass launch tube wherein a projectile is accelerated in one direction inside said gun barrel counterbalanced by a compensating mass accelerated in the opposite direction inside said launch tube thereby minimizing recoil and further providing means of automatic ammunition handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Zhisong Huang
  • Patent number: 9631882
    Abstract: A recoil controller is disclosed whose body 1 incorporates a strategically designed inner surface or surfaces 2. A moving countermass 6 impacts one or more times against one or more inner surfaces 2. During this process momentum is transferred from the countermass 6, to the inner surfaces 2, and then to the body 1 of the recoil controller, and then to anything to which it is attached or against which it is braced. The distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from this transfer of momentum will depend on various factors including the composition, geometry and placement of the inner surfaces 2. A given recoil controller is designed such that the distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from its use, are preferable to the distributions, over time, of the original momenta. The countermass 6? shown in FIG. 1 is the countermass 6 shown after one impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Paul Grant
  • Patent number: 9453705
    Abstract: A payload launch system is described that provides one launch solution suitable for multiple applications. A payload, such as a UAV, is launched from a sealed launch tube using compressed gas or other energy source. The launch tube can be used to transport and protect the payload from harsh environments for extended periods prior to launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Martin C. Lewis, Mark E. Whalen, Robert P. Gordon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150059566
    Abstract: A countermass container for use in a recoilless weapon. The countermass container includes an envelope encloses a countermass. A recoilless weapon includes a barrel accommodating an ammunition unit, a propellant charge and a countermass container. The countermass container includes an envelope enclosing a countermass. The barrel includes a front end opening for firing the ammunition unit out of the barrel and a rear end opening for ejecting the envelope and countermass of the counter mass container. The envelope is divided into a front section and a rear section. The rear section of the envelope has a weaker construction than the front section of the envelope to more easily crack than the front section of the envelope. Splines are provided at the front section to create ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Mats Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8707847
    Abstract: A pollution-free liquid balancing device comprises a sealing bag (1), a front cover (2), a rear cover (3) and liquid balancing matter (4), wherein the sealing bag (1), the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are all plastic material. The sealing bag (1) is filled with the liquid balancing matter (4) inside, and plastically sealed under high temperature at both ends. The diameters of the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are matched with the inner diameter of a launch barrel (5), and the sealing bag (1) is provided between the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3). In an ordinary transportation state, the liquid balancing matter (4) is well sealed in the sealing bag (1), and a missile is launched forward by the propulsion of powder during launch, the sealing bag (1), the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) crack instantaneously, and the liquid balancing matter (4) is ejected backward outside the barrel at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing Mechanical Equipment Institute
    Inventors: Shengjie Wang, Yajun Chen, Xuyang Qiu, Aifeng Chen, Yulong Tang, Shuyong Han
  • Publication number: 20140007758
    Abstract: A pollution-free liquid balancing device comprises a sealing bag (1), a front cover (2), a rear cover (3) and liquid balancing matter (4), wherein the sealing bag (1), the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are all plastic material. The sealing bag (1) is filled with the liquid balancing matter (4) inside, and plastically sealed under high temperature at both ends. The diameters of the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) are matched with the inner diameter of a launch barrel (5), and the sealing bag (1) is provided between the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3). In an ordinary transportation state, the liquid balancing matter (4) is well sealed in the sealing bag (1), and a missile is launched forward by the propulsion of powder during launch, the sealing bag (1), the front cover (2) and the rear cover (3) crack instantaneously, and the liquid balancing matter (4) is ejected backward outside the barrel at high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Beijing Mechanical Equipment Institute
    Inventors: Shengjie WANG, Yajun CHEN, Xuyang QIU, Aifeng CHEN, Yulong TANG, Shuyong HAN
  • Patent number: 8448556
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a recoilless weapon (1) and, in particular to a new high- and low pressure system for recoilless weapons (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Christer Regebro
  • Patent number: 8220376
    Abstract: A countermass weapon including a launching tube open or openable in both ends. The launching tube houses a launchable unit, a countermass, a pressure chamber, a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launchable unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube, and a firing and supporting unit connected to the outside of the launching tube. The countermass is designed such that a forward directed recoil is obtained and the launching tube is designed to be disengageable from the firing and supporting unit during the forward directed recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Richard Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8099892
    Abstract: The invention concerns a recoilless weapon (1) comprising a launch tube (3) for launching a projectile and a recoil dampener (2) for dampening recoil forces from the projectile, characterized in that the recoil dampener (2) comprises at least two recoil dampening mechanisms (8) comprising dampening means (11, 13, 14, 15) and that the recoil dampener (2) is adjustable in regard to a gunner and/or to projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Håkan Strömberg
  • Publication number: 20110296977
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a recoilless weapon (1) and, in particular to a new high- and low pressure system for recoilless weapons (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Christer Regebro
  • Patent number: 7997179
    Abstract: A hybrid water cannon that can be configured in either a recoil mode or recoilless mode. A first barrel is attached to a breech block. Either a second barrel or breech plug is also attached to the breech block on a side opposite the first barrel. With the breech plug attached, the water cannon is in a recoil mode. With the second barrel attached, the water cannon is in a recoilless mode. A chamber containing a propellant charge is in communication with both the first and second barrels. Upon ignition, the propellant charge pushes a charge of water from both barrels simultaneously and in opposite directions. The discharge from the first barrel is used to disable the target ordnance. The discharge from the second barrel counters the recoil. The propellant charge is ignited using an ignition charge in a port intersecting the chamber at an angle other than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David A. Nelson, David Smith, Scott Strohman, Ken Poe
  • Patent number: 7886649
    Abstract: A modular weapon system of a preloaded recoilless gun including a barrel provided with a shell, a propellant charge and a countermass. The weapon system is configured in two parts including a first part of the barrel and a second part of the barrel. The first part of the barrel includes the shell and the second part of the barrel includes the propellant charge and countermass. A releasable locking device interconnects the second part of the barrel with the first part of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Rolf Pettersson, Eje Lantz, Lars Ax, Kent Norgren
  • Publication number: 20110005375
    Abstract: A modular weapon system of a preloaded recoilless gun including a barrel provided with a shell, a propellant charge and a countermass. The weapon system is configured in two parts including a first part of the barrel and a second part of the barrel. The first part of the barrel includes the shell and the second part of the barrel includes the propellant charge and countermass. A releasable locking device interconnects the second part of the barrel with the first part of the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Rolf PETTERSSON, Eje Lantz, Lars Ax, Kent Norgren
  • Patent number: 7841267
    Abstract: An arrangement for recoilless launch including a non-gaseous reaction mass having a weight in a range of about 25% to about 75% of a weight of a projectile. For the same projectile energy, less propellant is required than a rocket, which minimizes backblast and reduces before-launch weight. The recoilless launching is adapted to shoulder-launched projectiles in a confined space. The reaction mass may be particles associated with a propellant so as to be released concurrently as the propellant turns into gas and accelerated by and with the propellant gas in a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Navy
    Inventor: Matthew J. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20100282054
    Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a container, which is mountable in the barrel of the weapon behind an ammunition part. The container is provided with an openable bottom with break indications. A guiding folding support, configured as an annular element, is arranged adjacent to the openable bottom on the outside of the bottom relative to the countermass container. The annular element is provided with a support member for each openable flap forming part of the bottom. Thereby, the opening area in the bottom of the counter mass container is defined by folding edges, formed in each base region of the flaps in the open state as in contact with its corresponding support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Lars Ax, Eje Lantz, Kent Norgren, Rolf Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7823497
    Abstract: A countermass for use in a weapon to balance the forces arising when a launch able unit is launched from a launcher tube of the weapon. The countermass includes a first container enclosing a liquid. A countermass weapon includes a launcher tube open or openable in both ends. The launcher tube houses a launch able unit, a countermass including a first container enclosing a liquid, a pressure chamber, and a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launch able unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube. The first container is made of a non-rigid material. A second container is provided to cover or almost cover the first container. The second container is designed with damping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Jonas Östberg, Åke Jansson
  • Patent number: 7814696
    Abstract: A projectile system includes an enclosure, first and second propellants, and first and second projectiles. The first and second propellants are disposed within the enclosure. The first projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the first propellant and a first end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the first end in response to detonation of the first charge. The second projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the second propellant and a second end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the second end in response to the detonation of the second propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Rapp, Joseph R. Mayersak, Mark Jones, Michael E. Feeley, Robert J. Howard, Robert J. Varley, Stephen Melicher, Howard Taylor, Jyun-Horng Fu, Richard A. Udicious
  • Publication number: 20100064884
    Abstract: A countermass weapon including a launching tube open or openable in both ends. The launching tube houses a launchable unit, a countermass, a pressure chamber, a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launchable unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube, and a firing and supporting unit connected to the outside of the launching tube. The countermass is designed such that a forward directed recoil is obtained and the launching tube is designed to be disengageable from the firing and supporting unit during the forward directed recoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Richard JONSSON
  • Patent number: 7624668
    Abstract: An arrangement for recoilless launch including a non-gaseous reaction mass having a weight in a range of about 25% to about 75% of a weight of a projectile. For the same projectile energy, less propellant is required than a rocket, which minimizes backblast and reduces before-launch weight. The recoilless launching is adapted to shoulder-launched projectiles in a confined space. The reaction mass may be particles associated with a propellant so as to be released concurrently as the propellant turns into gas and accelerated by and with the propellant gas in a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew J. Sanford
  • Patent number: 7418896
    Abstract: A recoilless weapon system is provided rear portion, a barrel in movable connection to the rear portion, and a handle portion in removable connection with the barrel and/or rear portion. Further, a ballast payload cartridge is removably disposed within a ballast payload cartridge portion of said rear portion, and serves as a center breach to support a combat cartridge. The ballast payload cartridge may have a side primer disposed therein, which allows a single weapon firing pin to simultaneously initiate both the combat cartridge primer and the ballast payload cartridge primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank Dindl, Kenneth R. Jones, Richard Beckman
  • Patent number: 7398614
    Abstract: A firearm apparatus and a method of firing ammunition therefrom, where the method utilizes a barrel (12) having a breech end surface (40) and immovably affixed to frame (10), a stand pressure surface (32), and a cartridge container (16) with a cartridge case (26) therein and countermass main body (18) movable in opposite directions. Gas from a deflagrating propellant moves the movable members and applies directionally opposite forces upon the breech end surface (40) and the stand pressure surface (32), which results in the force cancellation and ensures that the barrel (12) remains stable during firing. This solves the problem of the angle of departure and contributes to a high accuracy of shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: Leonid Rozhkov, Igor Rozhkov
  • Patent number: 7353739
    Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a countermass container that can be opened at both ends. The invention aims to bring about a symmetrical opening with favorable recoil in a better way than in previous constructions. This is achieved by the countermass including elements that can bind and retain the liquid symmetrically in a desired geometry over the cross section of the barrel and the cross section of any following expansion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Lars Ax, Eje Lantz, Kent Norgren, Rolf Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7350449
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method and a device enabling said packed countermass material (11) to open up said countermass packagings (10) in relation to the firing of countermass weaponry. The basic concept for the subject invention is, thus, that one near the rear outlet end (12) of a countermass weapon (1) barrel fashion a number of blades (15) to the interior of the outlet that protrude inwardly into the barrel sufficiently so as to cut into said countermass container (10), which is pressed past said blades (15) upon firing said weapon (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Saab AG
    Inventors: Arne Franzén, Lars-Ake Carlqvist, Lars Ax, Eje Lantz
  • Patent number: 7305911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device by means of which it has been made possible, without gas discharge to the surrounding environment, to accelerate the speed of a powder-gas-driven projectile from zero to a speed which gives the projectile free-flying characteristics. According to the invention, this has been made possible by utilizing at least some of the expansion force from the propellant powder charge, which discharges gas when it is initiated, for, by a displaceable piston, driving a countermass out of the rear part of the projectile in the direction opposite to the desired flying direction of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Christer Regebro
  • Patent number: 7302773
    Abstract: A method of firing of arms which utilizes both action and reaction forces in the process of firing. The action force propels the projectile (14) while the opposite in direction reaction force is used with an independent freely moving inert mass (20) in which a cartridge case (18) resides. Since the movement of the inert mass (20) does not affect the position of the barrel (12) prior to the projectile (14) leaving the muzzle, the barrel (12) remains steady during firing, thus achieving very high accuracy of shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Leonid Rozhkov, Igor Rozhkov
  • Publication number: 20070256552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device by means of which it has been made possible, without gas discharge to the surrounding environment, to accelerate the speed of a powder-gas-driven projectile from zero to a speed which gives the projectile free-flying characteristics. According to the invention, this has been made possible by utilizing at least some of the expansion force from the propellant powder charge, which discharges gas when it is initiated, for, by a displaceable piston, driving a countermass out of the rear part of the projectile in the direction opposite to the desired flying direction of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Christer Regebro
  • Publication number: 20070251133
    Abstract: A method of firing of arms which utilizes both action and reaction forces in the process of firing. The action force propels the projectile (14) while the opposite in direction reaction force is used with an independent freely moving inert mass (20) in which a cartridge case (18) resides. Since the movement of the inert mass (20) does not affect the position of the barrel (12) prior to the projectile (14) leaving the muzzle, the barrel (12) remains steady during firing, thus achieving very high accuracy of shooting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Leonid Rozhkov, Igor Rozhkov
  • Publication number: 20070068374
    Abstract: A countermass for use in a weapon to balance the forces arising when a launchable unit is launched from a launcher tube of the weapon. The countermass includes a first container enclosing a liquid. A countermass weapon includes a launcher tube open or openable in both ends. The launcher tube houses a launchable unit, a countermass including a first container enclosing a liquid, a pressure chamber, and a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launchable unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube. The first container is made of a non-rigid material. A second container is provided to cover or almost cover the first container. The second container is designed with damping characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Jonas Ostberg, Ake Jansson
  • Patent number: 7191693
    Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a countermass container with an openable cover provided with break indications. The arrangement brings about a symmetrical opening operation with favorable recoil in a better way than in previous constructions. This is achieved by the introduction of a guiding folding support arranged adjacent to the openable cover on the inside of the cover relative to the countermass container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Lars Ax, Eje Lantz, Kent Norgren, Rolf Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20060249011
    Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a countermass container that can be opened at both ends. The invention aims to bring about a symmetrical opening with favorable recoil in a better way than in previous constructions. This is achieved by the countermass including elements that can bind and retain the liquid symmetrically in a desired geometry over the cross section of the barrel and the cross section of any following expansion part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Lars Ax, Eji Lantz, Kent Norgen, Rolf Petersson
  • Patent number: 6971299
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns a general method of producing countermass weaponry and is based on the use of a high-pressure system and a low-pressure system with a countermass (12, 26, 26?, 38) acting against the low-pressure system. The high-pressure system (7, 23, 23?, 36) shall, in practice, be formed by the combustion chamber for the weapon propellant charges (8, 22, 22?, 35) while the main part of the low-pressure system (25, 25?) shall, in initial stages, be formed by the storage and acceleration chamber for the countermass. The advantage of the subject invention is that said invention offers a possibility of achieving lower pressure levels around the grunner without, for such an end, diminishing the range of the weapon (1, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Arne Franzén, Lars-Ake Carlqvist, Lars Ax, Eje Lantz
  • Publication number: 20050235816
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method and a device enabling said packed countermass material (11) to open up said countermass packagings (10) in relation to the firing of countermass weaponry. The basic concept for the subject invention is, thus, that one near the rear outlet end (12) of a countermass weapon (1) barrel fashion a number of blades (15) to the interior of the outlet that protrude inwardly into the barrel sufficiently so as to cut into said countermass container (10), which is pressed past said blades (15) upon firing said weapon (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Arne Franzen, Lars-Ake Carlqvist, Lars Ax, Eje Lantz
  • Publication number: 20050217467
    Abstract: A highly reliable fuse for explosives and armaments is achieved by employing a micro mechanical device that operates to disrupt a relatively low impedance bypass circuit coupled in parallel with a relatively high impedance trigger mechanism. The removal of the electrical bypassing is performed as a result of the movement of the micro mechanical device to enable detonation under prescribed conditions. The electrical bypassing is removed by having at least one low impedance electrical bridge that is part of the bypass circuit break when the micro mechanical device is subjected to prescribed trigger activation forces, which are typically large forces, such as are generated during launch or impact. The micro mechanical device may be a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device and the bridge is at least one spring that is part of the MEMS device and also part of the bypass circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventor: Cristian Bolle
  • Publication number: 20050115392
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns a general method of producing countermass weaponry and is based on the use of a high-pressure system and a low-pressure system with a countermass (12, 26, 26?, 38) acting against the low-pressure system. The high-pressure system (7, 23, 23?, 36) shall, in practice, be formed by the combustion chamber for the weapon propellant charges (8, 22, 22?, 35) while the main part of the low-pressure system (25, 25?) shall, in initial stages, be formed by the storage and acceleration chamber for the countermass. The advantage of the subject invention is that said invention offers a possibility of achieving lower pressure levels around the grunner without, for such an end, diminishing the range of the weapon (1, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Arne Franzen, Lars-Ake Carlqvist, Lars Ax, Eje Lantz
  • Patent number: 6543329
    Abstract: A countermass assembly is axially and radially restrained while within a vessel and is dispersible into its component parts upon being ejected from the vessel into an open environment. A plurality of groups arranged axially adjacent one another to form a stack. Each group is formed from a plurality of rings arranged in a nested interengagement. Each ring is an individual ring that is in a non-binding relationship with adjacent rings. The non-binding relationship allows each ring to be separable as such from its associated group when the stack is ejected from the vessel into the open environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Gregory D. DuChane
  • Publication number: 20030056639
    Abstract: A recoil control mechanism for a weapon which fires a projectile which is characterised by the generation of a forward counterforce to the rearward recoil simultaneously with absorption of rearward recoil force upon initiation of propoulsion of the projectile. The forward counterforce is generated by propelling a first mass forwardly upon firing the projectile and substantially simultaneously propelling a second mass rewardly for absorbing some of the recoil force. In one mechanism (10), the first mass may be the weapon's barrel (12) and the second mass its breach block (14). Expaning gases (36) from detonation of propellant in cartridge (24) enter a reaction volume (28) between the barrel (12) and breech block (14). These gases drive barrel (12) forwardly against force transmission spring (16) to impose a forward counterforce on the weapon's frame (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Giza
  • Publication number: 20030005818
    Abstract: A countermass assembly is axially and radially restrained while within a vessel and is dispersible into its component parts upon being ejected from the vessel into an open environment. A plurality of groups arranged axially adjacent one another to form a stack. Each group is formed from a plurality of rings arranged in a nested interengagement. Each ring is an individual ring that is in a non-binding relationship with adjacent rings. The non-binding relationship allows each ring to be separable as such from its associated group when the stack is ejected from the vessel into the open environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Gregory D. DuChane
  • Patent number: 6446535
    Abstract: A recoilless projectile launcher system has a projectile residing in a launch tube with a propellant charge coupled to the aft end of the projectile. A first tube is slidingly fitted in the launch tube, is coupled to the aft end of the projectile, and encases the propellant charge. The first tube has a first portion extending from the propellant charge and a second portion extending from the first portion towards the breech end. The first portion has a constant inside diameter while the second portion has a reduced inside diameter relative to the constant inside diameter of the first portion. A piston, slidingly fitted in the first portion of the first tube, is positioned adjacent the propellant charge. A second tube is coupled to the piston and extends towards the launch tube's breech end. The second tube has a constant inside diameter and a constant outside diameter with the constant outside diameter forming a sliding fit with the second portion of the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Gregory D. DuChane
  • Publication number: 20020112601
    Abstract: A recoilless projectile launcher system has a projectile residing in a launch tube with a propellant charge coupled to the aft end of the projectile. A first tube is slidingly fitted in the launch tube, is coupled to the aft end of the projectile, and encases the propellant charge. The first tube has a first portion extending from the propellant charge and a second portion extending from the first portion towards the breech end. The first portion has a constant inside diameter while the second portion has a reduced inside diameter relative to the constant inside diameter of the first portion. A piston, slidingly fitted in the first portion of the first tube, is positioned adjacent the propellant charge. A second tube is coupled to the piston and extends towards the launch tube's breech end. The second tube has a constant inside diameter and a constant outside diameter with the constant outside diameter forming a sliding fit with the second portion of the first tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Gregory D. DuChane
  • Patent number: 6286408
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing countermass assembly for a weapon has a crushable section, a piston at the forward end of the crushable section, and at the rearward end of the crushable section. The countermass can be a rupturable enclosure filled with a dispersible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew Sanford, Thomas A. DelGuidice