Abstract: A three-component barrel system for a paintball gun uses a barrel back that threadably couples to the gun. A barrel tip is magnetically coupled to the barrel back. A barrel insert, through which the paintballs are actually fired, is received within the hollow interior formed by the coupled barrel back and barrel tip. The barrel insert has porting thereon as does the barrel tip the two sets of porting correspond with one another. A channel within the barrel tip slidably receives a peg on an exterior of the barrel insert in order to assure proper alignment between barrel tip and barrel insert. The bore of the barrel insert can taper outwardly in proceeding from its breach end to its muzzle end.

Abstract: A conversion kit (1) for converting a firearm to fire a plurality of different types of non-lethal training ammunition comprises a single barrel (2) and a plurality of interchangeable barrel liners (3) which can be used in place of each other. The barrel (2) defines a bore (4) which receives one of the barrel liners (3) for firing non-lethal training ammunition and each barrel liner (3) is specific for a type of non-lethal training ammunition.

Abstract: A firearm having a threaded barrel-receiver connection, with a threaded receiver opening for cooperative engagement with a threaded barrel. The receiver is also compatible with a clamping system for engagement of an unthreaded barrel, so that threaded and unthreaded barrels may be used interchangeably. The threads of the receiver may have a flat crested thread profile for sliding engagement upon installation of an unthreaded barrel.

Abstract: Pistol magazine adapters have a body closely received in the magazine well and defining a passage receiving a magazine including a follower, a bolt catch actuator mechanism having a follower contact element pivotally connected to the body at a pivot axis and having a follower contact surface operable to contact the follower and responsive to whether the follower is in an upper position when the magazine is empty of ammunition or a lower position in which the magazine contains ammunition, the bolt catch actuator mechanism including a latch actuator element operable to engage the bolt hold open latch, and the latch actuator element being operably engaged to the follower contact element and responsive to movement of the follower to the upper position to move the bolt hold open latch to a bolt restraint position, such that the bolt is held open after depletion of the last round in the magazine.

Abstract: A rifle configured for firing a 7.62×39 mm round is provided. The rifle having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver, the upper receiver being removably secured to the lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver is configured to removably receive and secure a magazine therein, the magazine being configured to hold at least 30 rounds of a 7.62×39 mm ammunition; and wherein a magazine well of the lower receiver is configured to receive an adapter at a front of the lower receiver.

Abstract: An interchangeable chamber and barrel system for allowing an end user to easily change a chamber body and/or a barrel for a firearm without the assistance of a gunsmith. The interchangeable chamber and barrel system generally includes an interchangeable chamber body having a chamber that is removably connectable to a receiver of a firearm and an interchangeable barrel that is removably connected to the chamber body opposite of the receiver. The system also includes a sealing member positioned within channels in the barrel and the chamber body. The chamber body and/or the barrel may be changed on the firearm at any time based on the preference of the end user.

Abstract: A weapon system is provided. The weapon system includes a receiver and an operating group. The operating group includes a barrel extension at least partially housed within the receiver and arranged to axially translate relative to the receiver; an operating rod (op-rod) assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension; and a bolt assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension. The system further includes a gas accelerator coupled to the barrel and the op-rod assembly; a buffer assembly including a self-centering spring and a hydraulic piston assembly having a first end coupled to the receiver and a second end coupled to the barrel extension; and a feeder coupled to the receiver and configured to provide the round to the operating group.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a composite gun barrel comprises an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface, and an outer sleeve comprising a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface disposed against the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube. The inner rifled liner tube is configured for guiding projectiles and the outer sleeve is configured for dampening the firing vibrations encountered by the inner rifled liner tube. A method for forming a composite gun barrel comprises providing an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface. A sleeve made from a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface is provided. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner rifled liner tube so that the inner surface of the outer sleeve substantially engages the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.

Abstract: Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A rifle barrel for a gas-operated rifle includes a metallic liner with a longitudinal bore and a transverse gas port through the liner to the bore intermediate along a length of the liner. A thermally conductive sleeve circumscribes the liner substantially along the length of the liner. A composite wrap circumscribes the sleeve substantially along a length of the sleeve. The composite wrap is separated from the gas port.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a bore formed in a metallic material and a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure includes a tubular body made from a metallic material and having a first bore formed therein along a longitudinal axis, and one or more segments formed from a super hard material disposed within the first bore. Each segment has a hole formed in the center thereof, and the segments may be positioned end-to-end and adjacent to one another to align the center holes about the longitudinal axis and form a second bore. The segments can be held under compression within the first bore of the tubular body. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline 10 diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: A substantially noiseless firearm and ammunition therefor, in which the projectile of the ammunition is attached to the front end of a sabot which fills the cross-sectional area of the barrel and is fired with the projectile. The barrel is provided with lands designed to catch the sabot at the front end of the barrel in such manner that the barrel is sealed off in a gas-proof fashion by the sabot.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

Abstract: A weapon having a barrel or launch tube and a projectile preloaded therein. An element prevents accidental firing of the projectile if the weapon becomes overheated.

Abstract: A modular barrel assembly for firearms that includes a breech section formed from a high-strength material and a barrel section. the barrel section generally is formed separately from the breech section and can be formed from a different, lighter-weight material. Once formed, the barrel and breech sections are attached together to form the complete barrel assembly.

Abstract: A barrel system for a paintball marker including a breach removably connected to the paintball marker and a composite front detachably connected to the breach. The composite front of the barrel system includes a hollow bore through which a paintball is propelled, a non-metallic inner layer surrounding the bore, and a non-metallic outer layer surrounding the inner layer. The non-metallic inner layer is preferably manufactured from a plurality of unidirectional graphite fibers embedded within an epoxy resin. The non-metallic outer layer is preferably manufactured from a plurality of graphite fibers that are woven together and embedded with an epoxy resin for surrounding and reinforcing the inner layer. The non-metallic inner layer of the composite front is smoothly and continuously tapered to cause the hollow bore to be tapered from a relatively narrow diameter to a relatively wide diameter in the direction of travel of the paintball.

Abstract: A method for setting a protective coating on the inner wall of a tube includes providing a cylindrical sleeve, then setting on the outer surface of the sleeve a layer of a thermo fusible material, then machining the sleeve to provide it with an external diameter corresponding to the tube internal diameter, positioning the sleeve in the tube, and finally soldering the sleeve on the tube by applying heat.

Abstract: An electrical energy-insulating, preferably ceramic, insert (15) which is fitted in a barrel (2) is adapted in order to prevent electrical energy transmission (16) from an electric igniter (3) to a barrel body on firing of an ammunition unit (11) which can be initiated with the electric igniter (3). The insert is arranged in a position for firing of the ammunition unit. By means of the invention, a simple solution is obtained to the problem of electrical energy transmission by virtue of the fact that other measures do not have to be taken, for example the cases of the ammunition units do not have to be adapted by complicated and cost-increasing measures.

Abstract: A gun barrel for firing a projectile and particularly a rail gun barrel that comprises a pair of spaced apart rails and a pair of spaced apart insulators, which separate the rails, and together define a composite bore, all disposed centrally within an outer rigid tube. A prestressed filament-wound polymeric resin shell immediately surrounds and applies compressive stress to this composite, bore-defining structure. A pressure medium, positioned between the shell and the interior surface of the outer tube, is operative to apply compressive stress to the shell at least at locations generally radially outward of the rails. The compressive stresses applied by the combination of the prestressed shell and the pressure medium are additive and effectively preload the rails and the composite bore structure to resist overall forces encountered during projectile firing which, in a rail gun, include asymmetric loads upon the rails from electromagnetic repulsion forces and also axisymmetric bursting forces.

Abstract: A method for making a gun barrel for soft projectiles includes providing a mandrel for the bore of the barrel. The mandrel is inserted into a barrel base that can be connected in use to the receiver of a soft-projectile gun. The connected barrel base and mandrel are inserted into a tube. A resin, preferably reinforced, is poured into the space between the inside of the tube and the mandrel. The barrel base, mandrel and tube are surrounded by a pressure chamber. A vacuum is applied to the pressure chamber to de-gas the resin. Then a positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber to force the tube against the mandrel and resin to form the desired barrel. The mandrel may have rifling impressions. The tube may have a mold shape for forming an ornamental design in the outside of the barrel. Barrels made by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rib for the barrel of a firearm is provided. The method generally includes aligning composite material and a release layer and directing the combination of materials through a die. The release layer is removed from the intermediate rib leaving a three-dimensional finish formed in the surface of the rib.

Abstract: A gun barrel that can be used to fire projectiles. The gun barrel may be used in satellite-launching operations, in artillery operations, or in fire-fighting operations. The gun barrel has an outer support layer, an inner support layer lining the bore of the gun barrel and a compressible material disposed between the outer support layer and inner support layer. The support layers may be steel, and the compressible material may be concrete. In one embodiment, the breech portion is made of a metal, for example, steel, and the remainder of the gun barrel is made of an inner support layer an outer support layer and a layer of compressible material therebetween. The gun barrel of this invention is less expensive to make and lighter than a similarly-sized gun barrel made of steel, while being sufficiently strong to launch large projectiles.

Abstract: To seal a pipe mortar, a sealing element (3, 6) is inserted between the pipe (1) and the base (2), with the element elastically balancing out the axial relative movements between the pipe (1) and the base (2). The sealing element (3) is preferably prestressed, with the gas pressure supporting the sealing effect. The sealing element (3, 6) can be a U-shaped or L-shaped steel ring. In the U-shaped sealing element (3), the legs (3.1) are axially prestressed to the extent that the sealing ring (3) and the pipe (1) or the base (2) are pressed together to produce an adequate seal. In the L-shaped sealing element (6), the inside leg (6.1) produces the gas-tight connection when the pipe (1) and the base (2) are screwed together. A sealing lips (6.2) of the sealing ring (6) elastically absorbs changes in length between the pipe and the base that occur during firing.

Abstract: A firearm barrel includes an elongate metal insert member and a rigid sleeve surrounding the insert member along a majority of the length of the insert member. A casing is formed around at least a portion of the sleeve, preferably by injection molding. Breech and muzzle portions of the barrel may be fitted against the sleeve and are preferably tightly connected by the casing.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rib for the barrel of a firearm is provided. The method generally includes aligning composite material and a release layer and directing the combination of materials through a die. The release layer is removed from the intermediate rib leaving a three-dimensional finish formed in the surface of the rib.

Abstract: To make a composite gun barrel, an inner barrel of a hard refractory material is formed and a composite jacket formed over it to increase the stiffness and strength while not adding excessive weight. The tows in the external jacket are varied in pitch along the barrel to decrease the amplitude of vibrations of a muzzle during firing. High thermal conductivity material is added to the resin to increase thermal conductivity. In the preferred embodiment, the thermally conductive material is chopped pitch-based carbon fibers and these are randomly oriented. A gas port is added and shielded from the composite material and a metal muzzle piece protects the composite from hot gases.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monobloc gun barrel by calculating an optimal residual stress profile and then applying tailored autofrettage mandrels which are mechanically pressed down the bore of a large caliber barrel, the mandrel size optimized to create a residual stress distribution on the interior of the bore within the design constraints imposed by the worst-case heat flux scenario.

Abstract: This invention discloses a gun barrel that can be used to fire large projectiles beyond the lower atmosphere, and in particular, that can be used to assist with the launching of satellites into orbit. The gun barrel has an outer support layer, an inner support layer lining the bore of the gun barrel and a compressible material disposed between the outer support layer and inner support layer. The support layers are preferably steel, and the compressible material is preferably concrete. In one embodiment, the breech portion is made of a metal such as steel, and the remainder of the gun barrel is made of an inner support layer an outer support layer and a layer of compressible material therebetween. The gun barrel of this invention is less expensive to make and lighter than a similarly-sized gun barrel made of steel, while being sufficiently strong to launch large projectiles.

Abstract: A firearm barrel includes an elongate metal insert member and a rigid sleeve surrounding the insert member along a majority of the length of the insert member. A casing is formed around at least a portion of the sleeve, preferably by injection molding. Breech and muzzle portions of the barrel may be fitted against the sleeve and are preferably tightly connected by the casing.

Abstract: This invention discloses a gun barrel that can be used to fire large projectiles beyond the lower atmosphere, and in particular, that can be used to assist with the launching of satellites into orbit. The gun barrel has an outer support layer, an inner support layer lining the bore of the gun barrel and a compressible material disposed between the outer support layer and inner support layer. The support layers are preferably steel, and the compressible material is preferably concrete. In one embodiment, the breech portion is made of a metal such as steel, and the remainder of the gun barrel is made of an inner support layer an outer support layer and a layer of compressible material therebetween. The gun barrel of this invention is less expensive to make and lighter than a similarly-sized gun barrel made of steel, while being sufficiently strong to launch large projectiles.

Abstract: A weapon barrel includes a hard chromium layer provided on an inner barrel surface. The hard chromium layer contains at least 500 fissures/cm in a cross-sectional plane.

Abstract: A launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube with the groove, a mold is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter-mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. A compound, such as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) or Low Pressure Molding Compound (LPMC) is applied between the mold and counter-mold presses. Pressure and temperature are applied to the mold and counter-mold to position the bottom with the tube.

Abstract: A gun barrel for a gun has an elongated tube with an axial bore extending completely through the tube from the breech end to the muzzle end. The tube and the contact surface in the axial bore, which contains propellant gasses behind the projectile and engages the projectile while guiding it toward the target, are made of Nitinol having a transition temperature lower than the lowest ambient temperature at which a gun with the barrel is designed to be operated, or of a Nitinol formulation consisting essentially of 60% nickel and 40% titanium. A first sleeve may be mechanically coupled to the barrel tube by shape memory contraction thereon to prestress the barrel tube in compression.

Abstract: Blank for a gun barrel, consisting of a steel bar, which bar, in one or more hot working steps, has been repeatedly wrung about its own longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A firearm assembly including a fluid deflector adapted to be connected to a discharge end of a barrel of a firearm, the fluid deflector including a first passage for flow therethrough of a fluid and a second passage in fluid communication with and angled with respect to the first passage for flow therethrough of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner surface of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: introducing a plasma burner into the weapon barrel; producing a plasma flame by the plasma burner; directing the plasma flame against the inner barrel surface to cause impingement thereon; introducing a coating material in powder, wire or ribbon form into the plasma flame for melting the coating material to form a molten liquid and for depositing the molten liquid by the plasma flame on the inner barrel surface; and moving the plasma burner inside the weapon barrel axially thereof and relative thereto while performing the depositing step for obtaining a surface coating on the inner barrel surface.

Abstract: A firearm barrel has components made of different materials. The barrel includes an elongate metal insert member. A rigid sleeve surrounds the insert member along a majority of the length of the insert member. A casing is located around at least a portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An aluminum/diamond composite for the manufacture of metal structures having high yield strength, high stiffness, high thermal conductivity, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. The composite consists of aluminum metal with included diamond particles. The volume fraction of diamond particles may range from 5% to 80%, but is most preferably about 30% to 40%. Two methods of manufacture of the composite are disclosed. The material may be used to manufacture gun barrels, rocket nozzles, cookware, heat sinks, electronics packaging, and automotive components such as brake disks, brake drums, transmission components, and engine components.

Abstract: A method of providing an inner surface of a weapon barrel with a hard chromium layer includes the steps of forming the hard chromium layer on the inner surface by galvanic separation; and thereafter heating the hard chromium layer beyond the re-crystallization temperature thereof for obtaining, upon conclusion of the heating step, a uniform re-crystallization of the hard chromium layer in its entirety.

Abstract: A launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube with the groove, a mold is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter-mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. A compound, such as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) or Low Pressure Molding Compound (LPMC) is applied between the mold and counter-mold presses. Pressure and temperature are applied to the mold and counter-mold to position the bottom with the tube.

Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel consists of: an inner tubular metal liner defining a longitudinal bore axis; a resin matrix material surrounding the liner, the resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, the carbon fibers being aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis of the liner and under compression along the longitudinal bore axis; a muzzle piece attached to the muzzle end of the barrel; and a breech piece attached to the breech end of the barrel, so that any vibrations transmitted along the longitudinal bore axis of the liner are absorbed by the resin matrix material and so that any vibrations reaching the muzzle piece and breech piece are reflected back into the resin matrix material and thus absorbed.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a cylindrical FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a circumferential groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom member made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube and the groove, a mold having a concave surface is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. The bottom member has a convex surface, and the convex surface and the inside wall of the tube define a chamber for receiving pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) includes a cylindrical FRP tube having an inside wall, where the inside wall has a circumferential groove near a lower end of the tube. A bottom member made of FRP is molded for engagement with the tube at the groove. After forming the tube and the groove, a mold having a concave surface is placed inside the tube adjacent to the groove, and resin-coated fiberglass matting is laid on the mold. A fibrous material is placed over the fiberglass matting and a nonporous bag seals the fiberglass matting. A vacuum is drawn in the bag, and atmospheric air pressure compresses the fiberglass matting, forcing it into the groove. A counter mold can be used instead of vacuum setting to compress the fiberglass matting. The bottom member has a convex surface, and the convex surface and the inside wall of the tube define a chamber for receiving pyrotechnics.

Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel consists of: an inner tubular metal liner defining a longitudinal bore axis; a resin matrix material surrounding the liner, the resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, the carbon fibers being aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis of the liner and under compression along the longitudinal bore axis; a muzzle piece attached to the muzzle end of the barrel; and a breech piece attached to the breech end of the barrel, so that any vibrations transmitted along the longitudinal bore axis of the liner are absorbed by the resin matrix material and so that any vibrations reaching the muzzle piece and breech piece are reflected back into the resin matrix material and thus absorbed.

Abstract: A composite barrel for a firearm comprising a substantially metallic liner and fiber reinforced resin, in which the fiber reinforced resin is under compression.

Abstract: A method of frictionally bonding a liner to a length portion of an outer tube of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: Cooling the liner to a temperature of less than -50.degree. C.; heating the length portion of the outer tube to a temperature such that the inner diameter of the outer tube becomes greater than the outer diameter of the liner; introducing the liner into the outer tube while maintaining the temperature of the outer tube constant; and discontinuing the heating of the outer tube and cooling the outer tube such that shrinkage of the outer tube onto the liner first occurs along a central length portion of the liner, followed, after a predetermined period, by a shrinkage of the outer tube onto the liner along terminal length portions of the liner which flank its central length portion.