Practice Barrels Patents (Class 89/29)
  • Patent number: 10969182
    Abstract: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles have a frame, a bolt operable to reciprocate within the frame, the bolt defining a bolt axis, the bolt defining a firing pin passage, a first firing pin portion received within at least a first portion of the firing pin passage, a second firing pin portion separate from the first firing pin portion received within at least a second portion of the firing pin passage, and the first firing pin portion being operable to contact the second firing pin portion such that the second firing pin portion discharges a cartridge in response to the first firing pin portion being struck by a hammer. The first firing pin portion may define a first firing pin axis aligned with the bolt axis. The second firing pin portion may have a nose portion that is offset from the bolt axis extending away from the first firing pin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FRANKLIN ARMORY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Paul Fellows
  • Patent number: 10816301
    Abstract: A blank firing rifle provides a real firearm appearance and real gunshot sounds to firearms used while shooting gunfight, shootout and battle scenes in all fields and areas needed, particularly in the cinema industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Hüseyin Özenser
  • Patent number: 10451372
    Abstract: A firearm conversion sleeve is disclosed. The firearm conversion sleeve may include a main body with a distal end, a body portion, and a proximate end. The firearm conversion sleeve may include a bore extending through the main body from the distal end to the proximate end. The firearm conversion sleeve may also include a collar on the distal end of the main body. The bore may be configured to receive a bullet cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Stetler Firearms Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Stetler
  • Patent number: 8739445
    Abstract: A robust and convenient caliber conversion kit is described, for example, for the higher-caliber GLOCK® semi-automatic pistol. The caliber conversion kit has an internalized spent round extractor for more reliability. In addition, the firing pin safety relies on a set of two-dimensional surfaces, rather than on a one-dimensional line or edge, for cooperation (interaction and support) with the firing pin and with a recess in the firing pin housing that receives the safety, resulting in more security. Also, the spent round ejector is snugly fastened around an outwardly-extending abutment of steel on the barrel, the abutment being within a recess also snugly fitting the perimeter of the front end of the ejector, resulting in a quieter ejector mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Technical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean R. Burke, Eric G. Jeppesen
  • Patent number: 8297165
    Abstract: Apparatuses, vehicles, and methods to reduce loads applied to a store when the store is launched from the vehicle are disclosed. A particular apparatus includes a launch chamber and a flap. The launch chamber has a first portion configured to receive a store. A second portion is configured to be positioned over an opening in a hull of a vehicle. The chamber has a forward end and an aft end. The flap is positioned a distance from the aft end of the launch chamber. The flap has a first end rotatably mounted proximate to the first portion of the launch chamber and has a second end extending toward the second portion of the launch chamber. The flap is configured to rotate about the first end when the store impacts the flap due to the forces applied to the store by the fluid when the store is launched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Matt H. Travis
  • Patent number: 8015743
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting large caliber guns with a laser emitter is disclosed. The laser emitter mounting system includes an elongated tubular member for insertion into a gun chamber. The elongated tubular member is compressively secured within the gun bore. A mounting surface for a laser emitter and a breech assembly detachably engaged with the elongated tubular member by an anti-roll plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: American Apex Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Rhoades, Donn Gier
  • Patent number: 7942090
    Abstract: An blank firing attachment, with enhanced operating life, for use with gas-operated weapons; wherein, a tungsten carbide stem extending from the attachment is inserted into the bore of the weapon's barrel, the stem having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the bore, to provide backpressure within the barrel to properly cycle the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Brian Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7926405
    Abstract: A simulated firearm for discharging a blank cartridge and generating a realistic flash and report from the muzzle. The simulated firearm of the present invention prevents the discharge of lethal cartridges or projectiles. The simulated firearm has a chamber 65. The chamber 65 is reversed so that the entrance to the chamber 65 faces the forward section of the simulated firearm. A blank cartridge is loaded into the chamber 65. The blank cartridge is safely discharged from the reversed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. Ducastel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7905169
    Abstract: Stores launch tubes and vehicles equipped with stores launch tubes are disclosed. According to a particular illustrative example, a stores launch tube includes a tube member and a flexible seal. The flexible seal couples an exterior of the tube member to a hull. The flexible seal acts as a pressure barrier against an ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Matt H. Travis
  • Patent number: 7753679
    Abstract: A non-firing rifle that emulates a semi-automatic or automatic rifle for training in procedures for safe handling, cleaning, and field stripping of such weapons. The non-firing rifle retains the upper receiver assembly, barrel assembly, and ammunition magazine of the emulated rifle, as well as some of the components of the lower receiver assembly of the emulated rifle, but substitutes a modified forging for the lower receiver forging of the emulated rifle. Unlike the lower receiver forging of the emulated rifle, the modified forging has no cutouts to allow a trigger or hammer to be installed. A cutout is provided in a bottom wall of the forging, however, to allow installation of a pseudo-trigger. Accordingly, it is incapable of firing a live ammunition round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Brian D. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 7681483
    Abstract: A sub-caliber in-bore device placed within a launching structure of a larger caliber weapon system used to simulate the firing and ballistic trajectory of a larger and relatively more expensive weapons round. The said device essentially comprises a smaller caliber weapon subsystem with recoil suppression mounting subsystem, traverse and elevation adjustment subsystem, firing circuit delay timer, and an electrical connection subassembly to allow communications with the launching system. This invention provides an accurate, realistic, and cost-effective training experience to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: American Apex Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Rhoades, Patrick W. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7658138
    Abstract: Practice barrels for use with practice cartridges are described herein. An example practice device for use with self-loading grenade launchers includes a practice barrel having a practice cartridge chamber to receive a practice cartridge. A live cartridge does not correspond to the practice cartridge chamber. Additionally, the live cartridge is unable to be properly positioned within the practice barrel to prevent ignition of the live cartridge. Further, the practice cartridge chamber is cushioned to substantially absorb a breech energy to substantially prevent damage to the practice barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Wössner, Rudi Beckmann
  • Patent number: 7597038
    Abstract: An exemplary stores launch tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube is disposed interior the outer tube and is configured to reduce load as a store exits therefrom. The inner tube may be made of a flexible material. At least one load-reducing device may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube may be received within a canister that has an outer casing that is attachable to the outer tube. Alternately, the inner tube may be attached directly to the outer tube. The inner tube may include more than one tube section. If desired, filler material, such as foam, may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube may have a substantially circular cross-section, or an oval cross-section, or any cross-section as desired to accommodate structural considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Matt H. Travis
  • Patent number: 7571672
    Abstract: A method of modifying a .45 ACP pistol having a slide and a receiver defining a magazine well includes the steps of reducing the size of the magazine well and shortening the slide. The slide includes a breech face and a proximal end and the magazine well includes a front wall and spaced therefrom a rear wall. Reducing the size of the magazine well involves moving the rear wall closer to the front wall. Shortening the slide involves removing material from between the breech face and the proximal end. The shortening of the slide generally corresponds to the size reduction of the magazine well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Springfield, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles David Williams
  • Patent number: 7444775
    Abstract: A system that converts an original equipment (OEM) AR-15 rifle to a rifle capable of firing cartridges of at least two different calibers. Two or more barrel liners are provided for cartridges of differing calibers. Each liner is insertable through a rear opening of an upper receiver portion of the rifle and into a smooth bore barrel of a modified barrel assembly. Each liner comprises a tube portion having a longitudinal bore and a head portion with an opening that communicates with said bore. An adapter bolt carrier assembly is substituted for the OEM AR-15 bolt carrier assembly. The substituted assembly includes a bolt that carries the firing pin and is slidably mounted on a rail guide. A front end of the rail guide has a tongue extension with a slot that receives a pin attached to a rear end of a liner head. A support rail is fixed to a rear end of the rail guide. A spring extends from the support rail to the bolt, thereby pressing the bolt against the liner head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. E. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 7421934
    Abstract: A training mortar apparatus includes a small mortar tube and a large mortar tube, the small mortar tube being disposed in the large mortar tube; a removable base cap attached to one end of the small mortar tube; a plug inserted in the removable base cap; a removable firing pin inserted in the plug; a second base cap attached to one end of the large mortar tube; and at least one opening in the large mortar tube, the opening being axially aligned with the removable firing pin of the small mortar tube. Improved manufacturing methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: KarolAnne Madulka, Richard Becker, George E. Hathaway, IV, Mark Witherell, Steve Tauscher
  • Patent number: 7380488
    Abstract: A firing adapter for a combination gas and recoil operated weapon includes a blank firing barrel attached to the weapon; a piston having a barrel end and an anchor end, the barrel end being reciprocably disposed in the blank firing barrel and the anchor end being fixed to a non-recoil surface; and a gas port formed in the blank firing barrel wherein in a rest position of the weapon, the barrel end of the piston closes the gas port, and in a recoil position of the weapon, the barrel end of the piston opens the gas port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David C. C. Mao, Frank Dindl
  • Patent number: 7380363
    Abstract: A blank firing barrel for use with handguns is disclosed. The blank firing barrel is sized to be substituted for an existing live-ammunition firing barrel in a handgun. The blank firing barrel can be machined from a solid block of metal such as stainless steel so that the barrel end is a contiguous portion of the original solid metal block. A downwardly angled small pressure release hole can be drilled into the closed end so that gasses from firing the blank can be safely discharged. The open end of the blank firing barrel can be sized to only accept ammunition being smaller in diameter than regular ammunition that is used for the handgun. The under rear edges of the blank firing barrel can be angled so that said barrel safely recoils within the handgun when it is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Neal A. Kirschner
  • Patent number: 7340987
    Abstract: A method of modifying a .45 ACP pistol having a slide and a receiver defining a magazine well includes the steps of reducing the size of the magazine well and shortening the slide. The slide includes a breech face and a proximal end and the magazine well includes a front wall and spaced therefrom a rear wall. Reducing the size of the magazine well involves moving the rear wall closer to the front wall. Shortening the slide involves removing material from between the breech face and the proximal end. The shortening of the slide generally corresponds to the size reduction of the magazine well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Springfield, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles David Williams
  • Patent number: 7207273
    Abstract: A buckshot round for use in large, smooth-barreled weapons, such as an M203 or M79 grenade launcher, wherein the round itself acts as the firing barrel. In particular, a lethal buckshot round is provided, wherein an inner metal cylinder (barrel portion) is encased in an outer jacket, and a shot wad is contained in the inner metal cylinder, such that the inner metal cylinder acts as a barrel for firing of the buckshot from the smooth-barreled weapon. The barrel portion of the buckshot round acts as the firing barrel, and prevents contact of the buckshot with the weapon barrel during firing, thereby providing an accurate firing pattern and preventing damage to the weapon barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Brunn
  • Patent number: 7121035
    Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a semi-automatic or self-loading handgun of a certain caliber, such as a Colt .45, is modified to allow the use therein of cartridges of a different, usually smaller caliber, thus to allow less expensive training on the handgun, wherein only the barrel and magazine need to be replaced, the barrel having thereon a sliding extractor that cooperates with the original slide in the ejection and reloading of cartridges, and an off-axis bore adjusted to compensate for the difference in the reloading mechanism and the lesser rise of the handgun when firing the lower caliber ammunition, thereby allowing retention of the sighting, safety features, and mechanical functions of the original handgun while closely duplicating the original weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Dwight Greer
  • Patent number: 7076904
    Abstract: A detachable gun barrel assembly having an adapter for threaded engagement with the receiver and a barrel dimensioned for affixation to the adapter. The adapter has a mating end section which threadedly engages the receiver V-threads and a receiving end section having square internal threads. The mating end section has a limit flange at its innermost end. The receiving end section has a larger internal diameter to form an internal flange or stop between sections. The barrel has an alignment section which inserts into the mating end section and contacts the limit flange. A securing section of the barrel is provided with a square external thread to engage the receiving end section and contact the internal flange. The elongated barrel is provided with an external shoulder which contacts the receiving end section upon affixation of barrel to adapter thereby providing a number of stops to maintain barrel alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph M. Rustick
  • Patent number: 7062875
    Abstract: An adapter device is provided for converting a grenade launcher into a weapon for firing shot shells. The adapter includes an elongate barrel member of a gauge for shot shell which is adapted to be received in, and extend through, the barrel of the host barrel assembly of the grenade launcher. A cap secures the barrel member in place in the host barrel assembly. A replacement barrel assembly for firing shot shells is also provided which includes a shell extractor for extracting shells from the replacement barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Wayne Stevens, Jeff Windham
  • Patent number: 7036260
    Abstract: A safety system for preventing a handheld firearm from discharging an inadvertently loaded live ammunition projectile or bullet during a training exercise or the like by safely venting through a series of substantially perpendicular vent holes in the barrel, the pressure needed to propel the bullet down and through the barrel towards the target—so as to retain the bullet in the bore and cause the firearm to shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Gee
  • Patent number: 6994011
    Abstract: A firearm safety device for installation into an otherwise functional firearm for disabling the firearm with respect to chambering and firing a round of ammunition and thereby enabling the firearm to be used as a training firearm. The functional firearm includes, among other items, a removable barrel that defines the bore for firing a round of ammunition. The barrel replacement is a unitary, solid structure wherein the portion corresponding to the barrel bore is closed, thereby preventing the chambering and firing of any round of ammunition. The barrel replacement is constructed and arranged to accurately and precisely simulate the size and shape of the removable barrel so that once the barrel replacement is installed, all other portions of the firearm remain functional. This enables other aspects of firearm usage and safety to be explained while, at the same time, providing an absolutely safe firearm that is not capable of firing a round of ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher A. Barfield, Joseph A. Kimpel
  • Patent number: 6968770
    Abstract: A firearm safety device for installation into an otherwise functional firearm for disabling the firearm with respect to chambering and firing a round of ammunition and thereby enabling the firearm to be used as a training firearm. The functional firearm includes, among other items, a removable barrel that defines the bore for firing a round of ammunition. The barrel replacement is a unitary, solid structure wherein the portion corresponding to the barrel bore is closed, thereby preventing the chambering and firing of any round of ammunition. The barrel replacement is constructed and arranged to accurately and precisely simulate the size and shape of the removable barrel so that once the barrel replacement is installed, all other portions of the firearm remain functional. This enables other aspects of firearm usage and safety to be explained while, at the same time, providing an absolutely safe firearm that is not capable of firing a round of ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher A. Barfield, Joseph A. Kimpel
  • Patent number: 6848208
    Abstract: A blank firing barrel for use with handguns is disclosed. The blank firing barrel is sized to be substituted for an existing live-ammunition firing barrel in a handgun. The blank firing barrel can be machined from a solid block of metal such as stainless steel so that the barrel end is a contiguous portion of the original solid metal block. A downwardly angled small pressure release hole can be drilled into the closed end so that gasses from firing the blank can be safely discharged. The open end of the blank firing barrel can be sized to only accept ammunition being smaller in diameter than regular ammunition that is used for the handgun. The under rear edges of the blank firing barrel can be angled so that said barrel safely recoils within the handgun when it is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Neal A. Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6634128
    Abstract: A 0.22 caliber long rifle removable conversion system kit for open top frame, black powder, ball and cap colt reproduction and replica revolver—recreation and gallery shooting comprises a barrel nut and a barrel sleeve nut being threaded to mate with a threaded portion of the outside diameter of the barrel sleeve and sized to fit snugly into the inside diameter of the outlet of the pistol barrel. Also included is a firing pin ring assembly comprised of a loading gate subassembly, firing pin subassembly and firing pin ring. Also included is a cartridge cylinder being cylindrical in shape with cartridge apertures configured to mate with and engage the existing rotation hand and locking lug of the pistol frame. Lastly included is a barrel wedge assembly comprising an expanding wedge subassembly and an unloading rod assembly comprising an unloading rod and an unloading rod housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Laszlo Vastag
  • Patent number: 6606952
    Abstract: A shotgun adapter is provided for firing a shotgun cartridge having a shotgun bore which is larger than the cartridge. The adapter is a generally hollow tubular member having a cylindrical tapered outer wall and an inner wall concentric with the outer wall, with the inner wall being uniquely tapered to specified degrees depending on the shell gauge to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Little Skeeters, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard J. Vallender, Joseph Scancarello
  • Patent number: 6591534
    Abstract: Shown is a locking interface assembly that facilitates the integration of a commercial Long Gun Barrel tube with an existing gun mount of a conventional Tank. The interface assembly allows the non-conforming tube to be fitted to the mount in a precise fashion, eliminating clearances between the mount and tube, permitting re-tightening of elements that become loose during high inertial loadings. The interface assembly is comprised of a thrust nut, bearing, retaining ring, king nut, adapter, pin, nut key, locking pin, retainer pin, retaining ring key, key retainer pin and screw. The retaining ring is slid over the tube, followed by the a coupling subassembly comprised of the bearing and the thrust nut. The coupling subassembly engages the tube shoulder to prevent the bearing from rotating. The king nut engages the tube to capture the bearing against the tube shoulder and to prevent the bearing from moving with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Donald Trudeau, Michael S. Soja, Michael D. Gully
  • Patent number: 6446559
    Abstract: A shotgun adapter is provided for firing a shotgun cartridge having a shotgun bore which is larger than the cartridge. The adapter is a generally hollow tubular member having a cylindrical outer wall and an inner wall concentric with the outer wall, with the inner wall and outer wall being uniquely tapered to specified degrees designed to improve the shooting accuracy when skeet shooting with different gauge cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Leonard J. Vallender, Joseph Scancarello
  • Patent number: 6442882
    Abstract: An automatic pistol converted to fire low energy ammunition in a blow-back mode has a replacement barrel that carries a cam on its upper surface. The weapon slide, as it retires during firing, contacts the cam and rotates the chamber end of the replacement barrel downwardly. This aligns the spent casing for ejection by the ejector, once extracted from the chamber. The slide may carry a removable deflector plate for contacting the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: SNC Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Dionne
  • Patent number: 6357331
    Abstract: A conversion kit for a recoil-operating automatic pistol to convert it to direct blow-back operation utilizes a two piece barrel having chamber and muzzle portions that may be threaded together. The chamber portion is first installed on the receiver by insertion through the injection port, and the muzzle-piece is then threaded to the chamber-piece to complete the assembly of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: SNC Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Dionne
  • Patent number: 6324984
    Abstract: This low impulse payload cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, an ogive, a payload cup, a payload, and a link. The payload cup and payload is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the payload and to accelerate the payload upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the payload. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 6324983
    Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, a forward cavity/an inner bore in the piston, a sub-caliber projectile, and a link. The sub-caliber projectile is seated into the forward cavity/inner bore located in the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the sub-caliber projectile and to accelerate the sub-caliber projectile upon firing. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or another similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 6318230
    Abstract: A blank firing attachment for a recoil operated gun. The attachment comprises a barrel (10) having in its length an external shoulder (12). A gas cylinder in the form of a sleeve (13) is slidingly fitted onto the barrel (10) and located over the external shoulder (12). An internal shoulder (14) of the sleeve is located opposite the external shoulder (12) such that the shoulders (12 and 14) together with the surface of the barrel (10) and the sleeve (13) form a gas chamber (24). At least one gas transfer passage (11) connects the gas chamber (24) to the bore (10′) of the barrel (10). A mounting flange (15) with fastenings (19) and locking lugs (20) fix the gas cylinder (13) to a receiver section (23) of a gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ordnance Developments Limited
    Inventor: Craig Anderson Bamber
  • Patent number: 6314859
    Abstract: An unlocked self-loading pistol and a conversion kit for modifying a locked self-loading pistol adapted for firing normal and powerful cartridges into an unlocked self-loading pistol capable of firing weak cartridges as well as normal and powerful cartridges is disclosed. The unlocked self-loading pistol includes a return spring which is closely surrounded on the outside by a sleeve composed of an elastomer material. The length of the elastomer sleeve corresponds approximately to the length of the compressed return spring. The sleeve absorbs a part of the movement energy of the breech and passes it on into the grip. The conversion kit can be used to convert a locked self-loading pistol into an unlocked self-loading pistol as stated above and vice versa. The disclosed conversion kit includes: an alternate barrel which does not come into locked engagement with the breech, the abovementioned elastomer sleeve, and, optionally, a substitute return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Weichert, Ernst Mauch, Helmut Weldle, Hans-Peter Bantle
  • Patent number: 6276252
    Abstract: A training barrel for conversion of a firearm from normal barrel/slide partial locking operation to unlocked slide blow-back operation has an insert which provides a guide ramp for chambering rounds during the reload cycle. The guide ramp compensates for the absence of rearward displacement of the barrel when the firearm is converted to a training configuration. Such insert may be assembled into the weapon without modification to the slide or frame of said weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: SNC Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Dionne
  • Patent number: 6202533
    Abstract: The bolt of a blowback operated weapon is driven rearward by multiplying the area acted upon by pressurized gas generated by a subcaliber bulleted cartridge or a blank cartridge fired in a subcaliber barrel inserted into the weapon barrel and attached to the weapon barrel muzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Armalite, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Reynolds, S. Paul Reynolds, John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6161461
    Abstract: A training device for a combat vehicle with a heavy weapon, especially an armored howitzer. A shorter practice barrel replaces the weapon's regular barrel, but has the same sort of attachments at its inner end as the regular barrel has for fastening it to accommodations in the vehicle. A magazine at the outer end of the practice barrel accommodates rammed practice shells, which are decelerated and forwarded to magazine shafts offside the axis of the barrel. Practice shells of essentially the same weight and dimensions as regular shells and an impact absorber at the front for accepting the impact of a brake, are accommodated in the magazine. An accessory device for removing the practice shells from the magazine comprises a framework that travels on rollers and is provided with a platform for operating personnel and with a hydraulic lift that accepts used practice shells from the magazine and lowers them to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hupfeld, Peter Liebel
  • Patent number: 6145440
    Abstract: The invention relates to a training weapon system for a portable recoilless anti-armor weapon of the type which comprises a sub-caliber insert barrel (1) arranged in the bore of the launching barrel of the full-caliber weapon. In order to improve the accuracy of the system and make it more safe as well as less expensive when compared to previous systems of this type, the sub-caliber insert barrel (1) has a rifled bore to make the training projectile spin stabilized. The forward aligning member (5) for centering the insert barrel (1) is engaging the ridges of the rifles in the rifled portion of the barrel in the recoilless full caliber weapon. By such an arrangement it can be avoided that length tolerances give rise to undesired radical deviations which might result in a mis-alignment of the insert barrel (1) within the gun bore. This could happen with the forward aligning member engaging the conical, smooth-bored firing chamber in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Simbal AB
    Inventor: Arne Franzen
  • Patent number: 6050170
    Abstract: A combination anti-rotation and counter-recoil device for a sub-caliber barrel positioned inside a larger caliber barrel gun which utilizes a plate attached to the flat base of the tubular member simulating the cartridge case within the larger caliber gun and is held in position by two arms preventing rotation of said member and also a spring loaded piston is provided which engages an opening in the plate which provides for counter-recoil force after each firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: American Apex Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Guiette, III, John J. Walentine
  • Patent number: 5983772
    Abstract: The bolt of a blowback operated weapon is driven rearward by multiplying the area acted upon by pressurized gas generated by a subcaliber bulleted cartridge or a blank cartridge fired in a subcaliber barrel inserted into the weapon barrel and attached to the weapon barrel muzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: George L. Reynolds, S. Paul Reynolds, John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 5983773
    Abstract: A barrel positioning spring moves a barrel in a blow-back operating pistol earwardly when the slide recoils in order to position the chamber on the barrel to receive a further cartridge with the return of the slide. This spring in a Colt(.TM.) .45 caliber pistol may be seated on the recoil spring guide rod present beneath the barrel. A removable loading ramp extension is fitted to the frame in the space between the chamber end and the next cartridge to receive such cartridge as it is being chambered by the returning slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc./Les Technologies Industrielles SNC Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Dionne
  • Patent number: 5886280
    Abstract: A training device for combat vehicles which can hold a replacement weapon. This training device is comprised of an insertion portion which inserts within the barrel support of the combat vehicle and has secured thereto a holding device for holding a replacement weapon. This training device permits the firing of the replacement weapon with similar firing characteristics to the originally mounted gun. The use of this replacement unit can provide realistic training using less expensive ammunition than that necessary for the original weapon of the combat vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Brooks L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5829180
    Abstract: A semiautomatic pistol adapted to repetitively fire blank ammunition includes a frame, a barrel slidably mounted to the frame, a slide slidably mounted to the frame and adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement relative to the frame between a forward battery position and a rearward position and an occlusion member at least partially positioned within a longitudinal bore defined in the barrel for generating sufficient back pressure in the barrel to move the slide rearwardly to the rearward position thereof. The occlusion member defines a length ranging from about 15% to about 60% the length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Leiter
  • Patent number: 5811715
    Abstract: A practice weapon for a hand-held recoilless anti-armor weapon including a sub-calibre barrel mounted in a full caliber barrel to enable a marksman to repeatedly train and be subjected to the powerful noise and pressure effects of firing a full caliber weapon. The practice weapon according to the invention includes a marker charge, which is arranged to be ignited in response to firing of a sub-caliber practice round. In order to transfer the ignition sequence in a simple fashion with few moving parts, the marker charge is arranged to be ignited by the jet of flame and powder gases generated by the firing of the practice round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Simbal AB
    Inventor: Mats .ANG.sbrink
  • Patent number: 5706599
    Abstract: A rifle has a conventional gun stock, a receiver mounted thereon immediately rearwardly of an elongated barrel. The receiver has a forward end and a hollow forward end portion to detachably receive the rearward end of the barrel. The barrel has a rearward end portion that is tapered and which is complementary in shape to the tapered interior wall of the hollow forward end portion of the receiver. The receiver and the barrel have matching indicia marks to permit them to be properly aligned when assembled. The rearward end portion of the barrel has a pair of concave shaped wells which are substantially aligned, but partially offset, from threaded apertures in the receiver. Screws having rounded inner ends are mounted within the threaded apertures and penetrate into the wells and forcibly draw the barrel and the receiver into tight engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Modern Muzzleloading, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Knight
  • Patent number: 5463930
    Abstract: A weapon for firing practice ammunition includes a barrel having a frontal length portion terminating in a muzzle; an ammunition loading chamber at a barrel end opposite the muzzle; and a plurality of first gas outlet bores provided in the frontal length portion. The first gas outlet bores are arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial rows. There is further provided a muzzle brake sleeve coaxially surrounding the frontal length portion and having a frontal end situated close to the muzzle. The muzzle brake sleeve includes a plurality of second gas outlet bores arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial rows. The first gas outlet bores are staggered with respect to the second gas outlet bores as viewed along the barrel. The frontal end of the muzzle brake sleeve is closed off by a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Bisping, Lothar Post
  • Patent number: 5415074
    Abstract: The inbore sub-caliber device has spaced apart front and rear adapter plate members, each of which has an opening formed therethrough. A plurality of spaced apart rods extend between the front and rear adapter plate members to locate the openings in the front and rear adapter plate members in alignment. Support structure is coupled to the rear adapter plate. A gun comprising an elongated barrel and a rear receiver member is secured to the support structure. The barrel is supported in alignment with the openings in the front and rear plate members with at least a portion of the receiver located rearward of the rear plate member and the front end of the barrel located forward of the rear plate member to allow a bullet when fired to pass from the front end of the barrel by way of the opening of the front plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Phillip R. Fields