Abstract: An advanced optical sensor for determining the stand-off distance from a trajecting container to a target utilizes various checks and filters to eliminate false detonations caused by glint and counter-measures. The sensor is comprised of a transmitter, a receiver, and a wave generator. The wave generator generates a unique wave form which is relayed to both the receiver and the transmitter. The light emitted from the transmitted follows a pattern defined by the wave generator. When light is received by the receiver, a synchronous detector coupled to the wave form generator determines if the return light has a pattern correlating with the unique wave form from the wave generator. If so, the associated electric signal in the receiver must pass a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time before the sensor will generate a detonate signal.

Abstract: A rifle bore cooler is disclosed which is designed to be removably attachable to the end of a rifle barrel. The device includes a ventilating fan which may be battery powered and which may be selectively activated to either blow ambient air into the rifle bore or, alternatively, to pull hot air therefrom.

Abstract: To reduce the concentration of the gases generated during firing in a combat space behind a gun barrel, a smoke exhaust device (8) is arranged in a middle zone of the gun barrel (7). This smoke ehaust device (8) is joined to the gun barrel (7) in a gas-tight manner in the outward direction and is connected, in the inward direction, to the caliber bore (5) of the gun barrel (7) via an obliquely extending blow-off bore (3) and via Y-shaped valve bores (2). Pressure is admitted into the valve bores (2) through a check valve (6) made in the form of an assembly of layered leaf springs. Good filling of the smoke exhaust device with gases generated during firing is thus possible along with very rapid closing of the check valve, which is decisive for the desired long blow-off time of the gases through the blow-off bore (3).

Abstract: In a firing mechanism for Gatling-type guns, separate safing and firing cams are located at a firing position coinciding with a notch in an annular safing ring against which cocking levers ride to maintain their firing pins in pre-cocked conditions. To safe the firing mechanism, the safing cam is positioned to bridge the notch and maintain the firing pins pre-cocked as they revolve through the firing position. When the mechanism is armed, a cocking ramp surface of the firing cam is then positioned to cam the cocking levers rearwardly, cocking their firing pins. Immediately thereafter, the cocking levers drop off a firing cam sear corner into the notch now exposed by the safing cam to successively fire off ammunition rounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regenerative hydraulic starter/speed regulator system for providing initial rotation and acceleration of a rotatable barrel cluster of a gun gas driven Gatling gun, and for controlling the speed of the barrel cluster during the firing of the gun. The hydraulic system includes a high pressure accumulator for containing a supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic motor/pump unit is connected to either drive or be driven by the barrel cluster, depending on whether the motor/pump unit is operated in either the motoring or pumping mode. Initially, a servo mechanism operates the motor/pump unit in the motoring mode wherein pressurized fluid from the accumulator is supplied to the motor/pump unit to initially rotate and accelerate the barrel cluster in a firing direction until the rotation of the barrel cluster is sustained by the gun gas drive unit.

Abstract: A battery powered rotary chamber pistol, suitable for firing 60 rounds per second of 22 caliber cartridges contained in a thin flexible belt without removing the cartridges from the belt.

Abstract: A gun system is provided which includes a Gatling type gun having a housing with a ring gear, a rotor with a cluster of gun barrels, a gun gas drive mechanism with a cylinder, a piston, and a crank with a pinion meshed with the ring gear.

Abstract: A gun system is provided which includes a Gatling type gun; a barrel cluster having a torque assist device and coupled to a hydraulic starting subsystem to provide initial acceleration, rotational velocity control, braking and reverse clearing of the gun; and a gun gas drive to provide steady-state energy for rotation of the barrel cluster.

Abstract: Cartridges are usually fed axially to a rotating array of barrels of a multi-barrel cannon or firing weapon, by means of a cartridge feeding apparatus, for example, an endless conveyor belt or chain. The cartridges must then be accelerated to the peripheral speed of the rotating array of barrels, since the spacing between the individual barrels is considerably greater than the pitch spacing between successive cartridges on the endless conveyor belt or chain. Uniform acceleration of cartridges fed by the conveyor belt or chain up to the peripheral speed of the rotating array of barrels of the firing weapon is effected in that the deflector wheel or sprocket comprises a predetermined number of radially adjustable slides. These radially adjustable slides define recesses or pockets for receiving the cartridges. Structure, such as a cam arrangement, is also provided for radially translating these slides during rotation of the deflector wheel or sprocket.

Abstract: In an externally powered firing weapon the danger exists with an ignition delay or hangfire condition that the cartridge still is ignited after the positively reciprocated breechblock has been unlocked from the weapon barrel. The safety apparatus in accordance with the invention prevents, in case of an ignition delay, firing of the cartridge after unlocking of the positively reciprocated breechblock. Heretofore known safety devices of this type are complicated and a substantially simple design is strived for. The safety apparatus in accordance with the invention automatically decouples the breechblock carrier from the breechblock head when the breechblock head is locked in the weapon barrel. The device responding to an ignition delay prevents unlocking of the breechblock head from the weapon barrel and coupling of the breechblock carrier with the breechblock head.

Abstract: A multiple barrel gun for firing projectiles at an extremely high rate of fire, in the form of a dense cloud of projectiles. In one embodiment, hundreds of gun barrels are rapidly rotated about a fewer number of fixed firing stations. As each group of barrels approach the fixed stations, cartridges are radially fed to the barrels, and the group of barrels are concurrently fired when they become aligned with the stations. During each complete revolution of the multiple barrel gun, all of the gun barrels are successively fired in groups a number of times corresponding to the number of firing stations. The total fire power of the gun for each revolution is accordingly equal to the number of barrels times the number of firing stations.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated rotational drive system, preferably for a Gatling cannon or gun, comprises a first hydraulic motor for the driving phase and sustenance of a predeterminate operating speed as well as for base load operation for the braking phase, and being continually operatively connectable to a second hydraulic auxiliary motor. During the start-up or run-up phase, until attaining the required speed, as well as during the braking or deceleration phase, this second hydraulic motor is operatively and/or controllably, automatically connectable to the first hydraulic motor for energy-saving operation. Operative and controllable connection of the first and second hydraulic motors is accomplished by means of an operative connection of the hydraulic system with the hydraulic motors on the one hand and with a pressure source and a tank on the other hand.

Abstract: The holding or clamp apparatus for the barrel cluster of a multi-barrel firing weapon, in particular, a Gatling type gun, is constructed such that a quick and easy replacement of the weapon barrels without the use of tools is possible. Up to now, each weapon barrel was secured by threaded connections. According to the invention, a locking ring is rotatably mounted at a substantially ring-shaped barrel support. This locking ring can be selectively locked in two positions on the substantially ring-shaped barrel support. In its first position, each one of its cams project into a recess of the associated weapon barrel and thereby secure the substantially ring-shaped barrel support against axial displacement with respect to the weapon barrels. Each weapon barrel contains a polygonal, such as a square section, which is embraced by holding claws or clamps of the barrel support, thereby securing such weapon barrel against unintended rotation about its own lengthwise axis.

Abstract: An arrangement for rapidly stopping the movable parts of machine cannons with independent external drives wherein a rotating element, which rotates in dependence to a rotating control drum drivingly connected to the breech block, is stopped at misfiring or delayed firing within the breech block locking period of the firing cycle by a locking element which is actuated by propellant charge gas pressure. The arrangement of the invention prevents a shock-like braking and transfer of the kinetic energy of the movable parts of the machine cannon and provides for an automatic release of the blocking element.The arrangement includes a rotating rod spring coaxially mounted within the control drum by means of which the kinetic energy of the rotating masses of the breech drive are elastically braked.

Abstract: Switch or control cables for switching-over or changing-over deflectors are known and have the disadvantage that they can only be operated from one predetermined location. In accordance with the invention, the switch or control cable is subdivided into two switch or control cable sections which are interconnected by a coupling. The switch or control cable which is tensioned by a spring can now be selectively released from a holding device for switching-over or changing-over the deflector and displaced by the spring or by disengaging the coupling, in which case only one of the two switch or control cable sections is displaced by the spring.

Abstract: In a Gatling gun containing a rotary weapon barrel assembly and positively reciprocating breechblocks, each of which is operatively associated with one weapon barrel of the weapon barrel assembly, each breechblock is provided with a spring-loaded firing pin and a cocking pin which are cocked and released by two control cams for piercing a cartridge. These two control cams are displaced from a safety or unarmed position into a firing position by a control slide possessing oppositely extending control grooves or slots. This firing apparatus possesses no pivotable parts as opposed to known apparatuses.

Abstract: A plurality of, such as six weapon barrels are rotatively mounted about a central axis or shaft of a multi-barrel weapon, for example, a Gatling gun. In order to achieve a good target grouping the weapon barrels should be focused and twisted or curved. The weapon barrels are held in the desired position by a support apparatus. This support apparatus comprises a first adjustment element for the radial displacement of the weapon barrels with respect to the central axis or shaft of the weapon and a second adjustment element for the tangential displacement of the weapon barrels with respect to the central axis or shaft of the weapon.

Abstract: A weapon system including a main gun using link fed ammunition and a co-axially mounted machine gun mounted in a turret rotatably positionable in an armored vehicle. The spent links for the main gun and the spent machine gun links and brass are ejected through the trunnion bearing on which the rotor for the main gun rotates and into a compartment which communicates with the exterior of the vehicle. The linked ammunition for the main gun is stored in a rectangular shaped ammunition box positioned diametrically in the turret basket. The manual trigger and main gun elevation assembly includes a mechanical connection between the trigger and the trigger switch which does not rotate with the trigger and handwheel. The link eject chutes for the main gun, which can be a dual fed 25 millimeter gun, include guide strips for guiding the tab members of the links through the chute channels and thereby preventing jamming.

Abstract: There is provided for a Gatling type gun, a muzzle brake torque assist device having a plurality of radial flow turbines, each centered on a respective gun barrel of the gun, each turbine for providing a respective pure torque centered on the respective barrel, and which torques translate into a summation torque centered on the longitudinal axis of the cluster of barrels without generating any lateral loads on the stationary portions of the gun.

Abstract: In weapons in the nature of a Gatling gun the danger exists with an ignition delay or hangfire that the cartridge still is ignited after the positively reciprocated breechblock has been unlocked. However, cartridge ignition is undesired after unlocking of the breechblock. Therefore, an apparatus is present with the invention preventing unlocking of the breechblock in case of an ignition delay. Such safety apparatus may respond to (a) the gas pressure, (b) the weapon recoil, (c) the forward advance of the weapon or (d) to an expansion or bulge formed in a cartridge case, and acts to separate a breechblock head from a breechblock carrier, the breechblock head remaining in its locked position.The apparatus comprises either an inertia mass displaced relative to the breechblock due to the recoil action or a cam plate mounted at the weapon cradle and responding to the forward advance of the weapon, or a feeler pin responsive to an expansion or bulge formed in the cartridge case.

Abstract: This invention provides a Gatling type gun having a housing; a rotor journaled for rotation with respect to said housing; said rotor having a plurality of gun bolts disposed in an annular row with respective firing pin assemblies which do not include a firing pin spring; switchable firing pin assembly control means mounted to said housing for sequentially engaging each of said firing pin assemblies during rotation of said rotor and having a first disposition for positively projecting the forward tip of each firing pin forward of the face of its respective gun bolt by coupling the kinetic energy of the rotor to the firing pin over a period of time, and a second disposition for positively precluding the forward tip of each firing pin from projecting forward of the face of its respective gun bolt, and switching means coupled to said control means for remotely switching said control means to and between said first and second dispositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for automatically halting the operation of a Gatling gun in the event of a non-fire to preclude the possibility of the non-fire becoming a hangfire with an unlocked breech.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of sprocket which feeds rounds into the gun via an intermediate sprocket and which receives cases from the gun via another intermediate sprocket, and which may be intercoupled with either of two endless conveyors of ammunition.

Abstract: An improved gun muzzle clamp is provided for a Gatling type gun to reduce friction and increase durability in a high temperature, gunfire environment. The clamp assembly surrounds 6 gun barrels and supports the barrels at two independent bearing surfaces. One supporting arrangement consists of a plurality of bearings which rotate around the inner periphery of a blast diffuser and the other supporting arrangement is comprised of an annular ring which holds a piston ring gun gas seal.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a firing/safing cam assembly having three dispositions: one permitting firing in one direction of rotation; another permitting firing in the other direction of rotation; and yet another precluding firing in either direction of rotation of the rotor, all by means of two independently operated cam elements and a continuum element operated as a function of the respective dispositions of said cam elements.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a firing/safing cam assembly having three dispositions: one permitting firing in one direction of rotation; another permitting firing in the other direction of rotation; and yet another precluding firing in either direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a gun bolt having a firing pin which is movable to and between an aft disposition whereat the forward end of said pin is aft of the face of the gun bolt and a forward disposition whereat said forward end is forward of said face, locking means movable to and between a locked disposition whereat said gun bolt is locked to fixedly close the chamber of the gun and an unlocked disposition, and intermediate means responsive to the disposition of said locking means for locking said pin in its aft disposition when said locking means is not in its locked disposition.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a mount for a Gatling type gun having a muzzle clamp which is journaled for rotation in a reciprocable mass and which reciprocable mass is journaled for longitudinal reciprocation with respect to stationary support guides. Additionally, the housing is coupled to the support structure by a combination of a recoil adapter and a rigid guide, one end of the adapter and one end of the guide having a common transverse attachment to the support structure, the other end of the adapter having a pivot to the housing which is journaled for longitudinal reciprocation to the guide. This arrangement increases the recoiling mass without significantly increasing the total weight, precludes bending of the recoil adapters, and reduces frictional interferences.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a reduced diameter main cam provided by a rear dwell increment of angular rotation of the rotor which in turn is provided by a feed system wherein the bolt comes forward out of rear dwell after the round is placed upon the face of the gun bolt but before the round is centered on the face of the gun bolt. This is accomplished by permitting controlled longitudinal motion of the round while it is still being provided with transverse motion by the sprocket.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a gun bolt for a Gatling type gun having a carriage with a head journaled therein and a firing pin journaled in said head together with a cocking pin disposed in a slot passing through the firing pin, the head and the carriage with a detent disposed in a longitudinal bore of said head aft of said firing pin and having a portion thereof extending forwardly through a longitudinally extending bore in said firing pin and into a cavity in said cocking pin with a spring means disposed in said longitudinal bore of said head aft of said detent and biasing said detent into engagement with said cocking pin.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision for a Gatling type gun of a gun bolt of the oscillating head type having a gun bolt carriage with substantially radially projecting slides and a head with substantially radially projecting locking lugs, wherein the length of the radial projection of the slides is significantly greater than the length of the radial projection of the locking lugs.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun whose gun barrels are arranged in a truncated cone and whose gun bolts are coaxial with their respective gun barrels.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having the minimum, yet adequate, longitudinal clearance between the locking lugs of the rotor and the locking lugs of the gun bolts, by having the helical main cam track of the gun which reciprocates the gun bolts between forward dwell and aft dwell during each gun cycle also provide a subcycle of reciprocation of each gun bolt while it is in front dwell. This subcycle provides adequate clearance of the lugs of the rotor and the gun bolts to permit free rotation of the bolt into and out of lock, while providing no clearance during actual firing.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a slider coupled to the gun bolt for camming the locking lugs and for positively retaining the lugs in their bolt-locking disposition.

Abstract: This invention has the provision in an automatic gun having a relatively small diameter barrel cluster, which rotates at a first velocity, of a relatively small diameter stationary cam track which controls and drives the gun bolts through their respective fore and aft dwells and adjacent accelerations and decelerations, and an additional relatively small diameter cam track which rotates in the opposite direction at a multiple of said first velocity to control and drive the gun bolts through the cross-overs of the stationary cam track.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a housing; a rotor journaled for rotation with respect to said housing; said rotor having a plurality of gun bolts disposed in an annular row with respective firing pin assemblies, and switchable firing pin assembly control means fixed with respect to said housing for sequentially engaging each of said firing pin assemblies and having a first disposition for positively precluding searing of each firing pin assembly and a second disposition for forcing timely searing of each firing pin; said firing pin assembly control means including a first cam surface having a longitudinally forward, lower portion, and a longitudinally rearward, higher portion which thereafter abruptly falls off into a lacuna; a second cam surface disposed in said lacuna and transversely pivotally mounted and supported for longitudinal movement to and between a first disposition whereat it provides a gradual decline between said higher portion to said lower portion of

Abstract: This invention has the provision of a plurality of cam driven follower assemblies carried by the rotor, one for each gun bolt, for pushing a round from the feed sprocket to the gun bolt, and from the gun bolt to the exit sprocket.

Abstract: A multi-barrel rotary machine gun comprising a stationary internal shaft around which a drum carrying a plurality of barrels is rotatably arranged, a bolt assembly and locking mechanism is associated with each barrel, and the movement of each bolt assembly and its operation is dictated by a slot in the drum and a cam groove on the shaft.

Abstract: An arrangement of the components of a revolving battery gun such that the center of gravity of the assembly is located on the axis of the firing barrel at the time of its maximum recoil thrust. The required location of the center of gravity is achieved by the use of a relatively small number of barrels in a Gatling gun having a main cam with a self-intersecting, two-revolution track and a crossover switch mechanism. Such a configuration permits the firing barrel to be placed relatively near to the gun rotor axis and permits the gun feeder, as well as the drive, recoil adapters, and other accessory devices to be placed on the same side of the gun as the firing barrel. In this location, the accessory devices counterbalance the weight of the rotor and barrel cluster, thereby placing the center of gravity of the assembly approximately on the axis of the firing barrel. The recoil thrust then passes through the center of gravity of the recoiling mass, eliminating pitch and yaw moments.

Abstract: An arrangement of the components of a revolving battery gun such that the center of gravity of the assembly is located on the axis of the firing barrel at the time of its maximum recoil thrust. The required location of the center of gravity is achieved by the use of a relatively small number of barrels in a Gatling gun having a two-revolution main cam. Such a configuration permits the firing barrel to be placed relatively near to the gun rotor axis and permits the gun feeder, as well as the drive, recoil adapters, and other accessory devices to be placed on the same side of the gun as the firing barrel. In this location, the accessory devices counterbalance the weight of the rotor and barrel cluster, thereby placing the center of gravity of the assembly approximately on the axis of the firing barrel. The recoil thrust then passes through the center of gravity of the recoiling mass, eliminating pitch and yaw moments.

Abstract: This invention provides for a clamp system for the cluster of barrels of a Gatling type gun which locks each barrel in the cluster against rotation about its own longitudinal axis and which minimizes relative transverse movement of each of the barrels.

Abstract: A Gatling gun wherein a fluid under pressure drives a plurality of double acting pistons to respectively reciprocate each of the gun bolts in the rotor. The gun bolts have respective cam followers which operate in a stationary helical cam to cause rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A muzzle clamp assembly, adapted for use with a multi-barrel gun of the Gatling type, for predictably controlling the dispersion, i.e., the impact point of projectiles fired from the multi-barrel gun. The assembly is removably attached to the forward end, i.e., the muzzle end, of the barrel cluster; and, it includes a perforated cylindrical clamp member, a plurality of movable and removable clamps, and a removable perforated front plate with the perforations at positions preselected to effectuate the desired controlled dispersion. These components are assembled and integrated in an untightened condition; are slipped over the muzzle end of the cluster of barrels; and, the movable clamps are tightened to the barrels, while the front plate is tightened to the clamp member. This front plate thereby positions the muzzles of the barrels to effectuate the preselected desired controlled dispersion of the fired projectiles, such as a dispersion pattern of 360.degree. about a theoretical focal point.

Abstract: A rotary pneumatic motor provides initial acceleration and starting of a rapid firing gatling-type gun, and also provides motive drive power for the gun in another embodiment. Upon reaching operating speed, a fluidic control system modulates application of a disc brake and/or meters fluid flow to the rotary motor to maintain a constant preselected firing rate. After completion of gun firing, the rotary motor briefly drives the gun to clear the chambers of ammunition.

Abstract: A Gatling-type gun is disclosed having a cam plate with a plurality of transversely elongated, gun-barrel receiving cam slots to guide the distal ends of the respective gun barrels. Each distal end of the gun barrel is free within the length of its cam slot, but does remain in a neutral position in said slot when the gun is not firing. During firing, gun vibration, centrifugal force and recoil motion combine to produce an apparently random cantilevered movement of the distal end of the gun barrel within the length of its slot and, thus a random barrel dispersion.

Abstract: A rotating blast diffuser for a Gatling type gun is disclosed. The diffuser as a streamlined, forward nose containing gas stripping means individual to the barrels. The gas stripping means, annular members for example, strip muzzle blast from a firing barrel, and divert the blast into a forward collection chamber. The blast expands in the collection chamber and flows to an aft expansion chamber where it undergoes additional expansion. Vent holes in the aft expansion chamber permit the blast to exhaust this chamber. A peripheral housing is placed around the diffuser allowing the exhausted blast to undergo further expansion before venting into the atmosphere.