Hoisting Apparatus Patents (Class 89/46)
  • Patent number: 11879701
    Abstract: An automatic reloading device for a weapon fed by two ammunition magazines includes first and second ammunition conveyors, each movable in phase opposition between a position for collecting a piece of ammunition from a magazine and a position for reloading the weapon. The automatic reloading device includes a single actuator, able to output an alternating motion, and movement devices for transmitting the alternating motion to the first and second ammunition conveyors and converting it into movements of the first and second ammunition conveyors for an alternating feeding of the weapon. A weapon system can include such an automatic reloading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: NEXTER SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Yves Martinez
  • Patent number: 10458735
    Abstract: Provided are a combined loading device and method. The combined loading device includes a first housing in which a shell is inserted; a second housing in which a charge is inserted, the second housing being connected to the first housing; a first support located in the first housing and configured to allow the shell or the charge to be seated thereon and linearly moved; and a driving unit located inside the first housing, connected to the first support, and configured to move the first support on which the shell is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Ki Yoon, Jae Yi Oh
  • Patent number: 10415908
    Abstract: An ammunition supply system includes a weapon mounted on an exterior of a fighting vehicle; a magazine loading unit mounted on the exterior of the fighting vehicle and configured to load a magazine for the weapon; a hatch unit configured to form an entrance to allow a combatant to enter and exit the fighting vehicle; and a hatch lifting unit configured to supply power to the hatch unit to move in a vertical direction with respect to the fighting vehicle. The hatch unit includes: a hatch door unit through which the combatant enters and exits the fighting vehicle, and a hatch passage part forming a passage for connecting the hatch door unit and an interior of the fighting vehicle. The hatch passage part includes a first opening facing the magazine loading unit so that the magazine is transferred from the interior of the fighting vehicle to the magazine loading unit without the combatant being exposed to the exterior of the fighting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bong Kyung Suk, Kang Il Lee, Joo Wan Hwang
  • Patent number: 9933217
    Abstract: A gripper device for transporting munitions, has a support movably mounted along the longitudinal direction of the munition. The support has feet delimiting a space intended to receive the munition, the feet being movably mounted in a plane perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the support and configured so as to adopt, during use, a position referred to as a locking position. The feet are fixed and able to clasp the periphery of the munition, and a position referred to as unlocking position. The feet are free to move in the plane perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the support so as to allow the passage of the whole of the munition in its longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: CMI DEFENCE S.A.
    Inventor: Henri Orban
  • Patent number: 8899140
    Abstract: A system is for evacuating cartridges, applied to a firearm 1. The firearm includes a breech 14, a firing chamber 12 in which the projectile that will come out through a barrel 13 is fired. The evacuation system includes an evacuation tray 2, adapted to receive the cartridge following deflagration of an ammunition, and a movement mechanism 3, adapted to move the tray 2. The movement mechanism 3 turns the evacuation tray 2 about an axis “X”, parallel to the axis of the barrel 13 of the firearm 1, in a preset and appropriately cadenced way, passing from a first position, where the cartridge is received, to a second position, where the cartridge is expelled by the expulsion mechanism 5, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Andrea Bruschi
  • Patent number: 8701542
    Abstract: An artillery ammunition loading system (100), configured to load ammunitions includes at least one projectile in a cannon or a howitzer (11). The ammunition loading system includes a first mobile loader (102a) for loading projectiles and a second mobile loader (102b) for loading propelling charges, which alternatively and at least partially automatically feed the cannon or howitzer (11) for each firing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Manuel D'Eusebio
  • Patent number: 8578835
    Abstract: A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11?) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Andrea Bruschi
  • Patent number: 8549981
    Abstract: An ammunition hoist (1) includes a supporting beam (4) set alongside a hollow guide element, and a movement system (5), adapted to enable movement of the ammunition (3) along a supporting beam (4) between a first level and a second level set at a different height with respect to one another. The hoist includes moving equipment (6), sliding with respect to the supporting beam (4) and to which the ammunition (3) is associated at least temporarily; the movement of the ammunition (3) occurs in an automated way from and towards the first or second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: OTO Melara S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Andrea Bruschi
  • Patent number: 8397622
    Abstract: An ammunition elevator device is provided for raising and lowering ammunition. The device includes a housing, a crank assembly, a pawl mechanism, and a transfer linkage. The housing has a chamber flanked by first and second flanges. The assembly includes a crank axle, first and second sprockets mounted to the axle for elevating the ammunition, and a ratchet gear mounted to the axle adjacent to the first flange. The pawl mechanism includes a pawl, a toggle and a pin spreader. The transfer linkage has a rotatable bar pivotably connected to the second flange, a rod that radially shifts relative to the crank axle in response to the sprockets, and a pair of rotatable joints. The ratchet gear connects to the axle adjacent the first flange, wherein the gear cyclically pivots the pawl for raising the toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert J. Fowler, IV, Carter G. Timberlake, Michael M. Canaday
  • Patent number: 8393258
    Abstract: A retractable turret rotatable on a platform, including an active system orientable in vertically extendable elevation, and in azimuth, a protective cowling for the active system and for closing a caisson, wherein the turret includes, for vertically extendable deployment and rotation of the active system, first and second arms forming a deformable quadrilateral on either side of the active system, a first manual means for controlling deployment of the active system by activating the first arm, and a second manual means for controlling the orientation in vertically extended elevation and in horizontal azimuth of the active system by moving the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Jean-François Cazalieres, Jérôme Guillard, Laurent Reynard
  • Publication number: 20120312153
    Abstract: An ammunition elevator device is provided for raising and lowering ammunition. The device includes a housing, a crank assembly, a pawl mechanism, and a transfer linkage. The housing has a chamber within which to elevate the ammunition flanked by first and second flanges. The assembly, rotatably disposed between the flanges, has a crank axle, first and second sprockets mounted to the axle for elevating the ammunition, and a ratchet gear mounted to the axle adjacent to the first flange. The pawl mechanism connects to the first flange and includes a pawl, a toggle and a pin spreader. The toggle pin connects to the pawl and mounts to the spreader. The transfer linkage has a rotatable bar pivotably connected to the second flange, a rod that radially shifts relative to the crank axle in response to the sprockets, and first and second rotatable joints. The first joint connects to the bar to the rod. The second joint connects the rod to the spreader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Robert J. Fowler, IV, Carter G. Timberlake, Michael M. Canaday
  • Patent number: 8215225
    Abstract: An air, land, or sea vehicle may include a gun and a rotatable turret ring. An autoloader may be disposed in a basket fixed to the turret ring. The autoloader may include a turntable that rotates independently of the turret ring. An elevator having a track may rotate with the turntable. A carriage may be linearly translatable on the track of the elevator in directions toward and away from the plane of the turntable. A transfer device may be rotatably fixed to a pivot of the carriage. The transfer device may include a rail and a gripper that is linearly translatable on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Roy Zangrando, William Burgermeister
  • Publication number: 20120024144
    Abstract: A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11?) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: OTO MELARA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Andrea Bruschi
  • Publication number: 20110315001
    Abstract: An ammunition hoist (1) includes a supporting beam (4) set alongside a hollow guide element, and a movement system (5), adapted to enable movement of the ammunition (3) along a supporting beam (4) between a first level and a second level set at a different height with respect to one another. The hoist includes moving equipment (6), sliding with respect to the supporting beam (4) and to which the ammunition (3) is associated at least temporarily; the movement of the ammunition (3) occurs in an automated way from and towards the first or second level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: OTO MELARA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chiappini, Andrea Bruschi
  • Patent number: 7849782
    Abstract: A large-caliber gun integrated into a military ship and mounted with the turret and the weapons system of an armored howitzer. Disposed below the turret body portion is a shell magazine in which is installed a shell transporter that grasps the shells and supplies them to a shell-raising mechanism, by means of which the shells are conveyed from the shell magazine into the turret body portion. A shell transfer arm, pivotably mounted on the trunnion of the weapon, carries at one end a charger that in the raised position of the shell transfer arm is aligned with the gun bore axis of the weapon, and in the lowered position is aligned with the direction of movement of the shell-raising mechanism. The shells are introduced from the shell-raising mechanism directly into the charger and after pivoting-up of the shell transferring arm are supplied to the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Heldmann
  • Patent number: 7231863
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (18) for retrieving large-calibre ammunition (10), such as shells, from an ammunition magazine and transferring these to a loading and ramming position, in which the respective ammunition unit (10) is located directly behind and coaxially aligned with a barrel (20) of a large-calibre weapon which is mounted in such a way that it can pivot around a horizontal axis (22) to assume different elevation positions. The transferring arrangement comprises a swing arm (26) which is mounted in such a way that it can pivot around the said horizontal axis (22) between a retrieving position and a delivery position for each ammunition unit, and an ammunition pickup unit (30) which is mounted on the swing arm (26) in such a way that it can pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hagglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Sture Domeij
  • Patent number: 7159504
    Abstract: A firing module having a fully automatic shell supply mechanism for supplying shells to a heavy weapon in a housing. A shell ram having a loading tray is disposed on a free end of a shell transfer arm that is pivotable between a raised position, in which the loading tray is aligned with the gun bore axis, parallel to a plane of elevation, and a lowered position, in which the tray is essentially vertical. A gripping mechanism on a shell transport arm grasps a vertical shell stored in at least one ammunition magazine for supplying a shell from a shell transporter, to the loading tray, in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm. The ammunition magazines and transporter are disposed in the housing ahead of a trunnion. The loading tray is pivotable about a pivot axis, which is essentially vertical in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm, by at least 180° between a receiving position opening ahead of the trunnion, and a delivery position opening behind the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Heldmann, Michael Kohlstedt
  • Patent number: 7140300
    Abstract: A device to separate propellant charge modules for field weapons, each module incorporating a top and bottom, the top of one of the modules being engaged in the bottom of an adjacent module, the device incorporating a reception device for all the modules having a device to immobilize each of the modules, the immobilizing device being linked by a linking and separating device enabling a relative translation to be controlled for each of the modules with respect to its neighbors, thereby ensuring the separation of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Minard, Robert Vernet, Julien Boutin
  • Patent number: 7111544
    Abstract: An artillery gun having a weapon disposed on a carrier vehicle is provided and comprises a first module, containing the weapon and mounted on a gun mount and also containing at least a portion of an automatic projectile feed mechanism. A second module contains further portions of the projectile feed mechanism. A standby member disposed to the rear of a projectile transporter of the feed mechanism is displaceably guided and can be disposed in a transfer position parallel to a charger disposed on a free end of a projectile transfer arm of the first module. A third module is provided and is embodied as a munitions magazine in which are stored upright projectiles that are adapted to be grasped via a projectile transporter and, accompanied by rotation and alignment, are conveyed via the standby member and charger into a region at the rear of the end of the weapon and to be raised into a loading position. At least one fourth module forms the carrier vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kohlstedt, Heinz-Jürgen Schlömer, Heinrich Heldmann, Lars Schneider, Ernst Reiting, Peter Liebel
  • Patent number: 7032493
    Abstract: A rocket launcher system and a method for controlling a rocket launcher system. The rocket launcher system is placed below deck on a ship to improve the ship's stealth capability and includes a launcher, a charger and a magazine containing one or more different types of rocket missiles. According to the method for controlling the rocket launcher system, an operating signal including preparation data is transferred to the rocket launcher system from one or more operators. The preparation data is transferred to a rocket missile and a charger takes the rocket missile from a magazine and charges a launcher. A hatch in the ship's deck is opened, and the launcher sights the rocket missile at a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Forsvarets Materielverk
    Inventor: Dean Fowler
  • Patent number: 6877414
    Abstract: A storage magazine for propellant charge modules for artillery cannons including a set of walls delimiting compartments in which the modules are arranged in superimposed rows, such modules for removal by a pick up system, at least one mobile support for receiving a row of modules, such support in a first extraction position for filling the row and in a second storage position for removing the modules by a pick up system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Minard, Philippe Gitton, Jean Cottet Dumoulin
  • Patent number: 6752063
    Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. The system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Alan W. Panek, John P. Hinsverk, Lowell R. Larson
  • Patent number: 6742436
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic loading process and system for a large-caliber weapon mounted on a ship and firing ammunition, constituted by charges and projectiles, at a high rate of fire. The system comprises means allowing at least three isolated areas to be defined for the circulation of the ammunition, a first area in which the charges and projectiles and received and introduced into containers and a second area in which these containers are transferred into an intermediate magazine arranged between the weapon and the first area, and a third area where the weapon is actually loaded with the projectiles and charges, all of these areas being isolated from one another by resistant walls defining hatches providing a passage, and it comprises means to transfer the containers from the first area to the turret then the projectiles and charges into the weapon. Application to artillery mounted on a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Gilles Grange, Yves Martinez, Jean-Philippe Delaire, Joël Roche, Claude Avrard
  • Publication number: 20040083881
    Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable, by means of the rotor, with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Alan W. Panek, John P. Hinsverk, Lowell R. Larson
  • Patent number: 6679159
    Abstract: An ammunition transfer system and method of loading a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon having a carriage and a barrel. The system includes at least one ammunition hoist and a cradle operably coupled to the carriage. The cradle is selectively positionable in a charging position and a loading position. The cradle has a carrier, which may be a rotor with a plurality of cells, each cell adapted to receive an ammunition round. The rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis, and is controllably positionable so that each cell is selectively alignable with the ammunition hoist when the cradle is positioned in the charging position and so that each cell is selectively alignable with the barrel when the cradle is positioned in the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Hullett
  • Patent number: 6606933
    Abstract: Turret (12) fitted with automatic canon and intended for a combat unit, said turret (12) comprising a turret housing (14) which is intended to be mounted on the outside of the combat unit and can rotate about a substantially vertical axis, and in which turret housing (14) there is a weapon holder (16) for pivotably supporting a canon about a horizontal axis, which canon has a barrel (20) projecting from the turret housing (14) and a rear part (22) with associated loading mechanism (24) situated inside the housing (14). At least one ammunition magazine (26, 28) is arranged to the side of the rear part (22) of the canon and has an outlet (29, 31) for the ammunition belt situated in such a way that the latter can be conveyed from a rear part of the magazine and guided forwards along an underside (33) of the magazine and thereafter curved through ca. 90° about an axis substantially at right angles to the plane of the belt for feeding the projectiles to the loading mechanism (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Alvis Hagglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Alfons Falk
  • Patent number: 6591733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for handling artillery shells (14-16) when loading artillery guns (1) that have an integral shell magazine (9) fixed in the traverse system but independent from the elevating mass, which magazine on command feeds out shells (14-16) one by one with a specific linear velocity in the longitudinal axis of each shell. Each shell is subsequently transferred to the loading position for the gun by a loading pendulum (13) and cradle (6). The basic idea behind the present invention is that the outfeed velocity of the shells (14-16) from the magazine (9) shall be braked to zero in a brake module (12) mounted on the gun while they lie in a shell carrier (17, 18) mounted on the loading pendulum (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventor: Sven-Erik Engström
  • Patent number: 6588311
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a medium or large caliber weapon supplied with rounds constituted by a projectile and modular charges. It comprises means to receive a projectile and modular charges, a vehicle incorporating at least two housings and suitable support means to allow the vehicle to move from a starting replenishing position to a final weapon loading position in which the projectile housing then the modular charge housing are successively brought into said position. The support means are constituted by a cage having two sides between which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is constituted by a slide and a drum provided with housings at its parallel edges each intended to receive a container. Application of 155 mm 52 caliber weapons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Gilles Grange, Yves Martinez, Jean-Philippe Delaire, Joël Roche, Claude Avrard
  • Patent number: 6513415
    Abstract: A dual action retention pawl for securing ammunition in a breech loading gun having a bore along a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the gun and a breech opening with a moveable breech block at a rear of the bore. The dual action retention pawl includes a base, a pawl arm, and an activation arm operably attached to the base. The pawl arm pivots to a retracted position in response to ammunition engaging the activation arm when the ammunition is loaded into the breech opening and returns to a retention position once the ammunition is loaded to retain the ammunition within the barrel of the gun. The pawl arm pivots to the retracted position in response to the breech block engaging the activation arm when the breech block is moved to close the breech opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: United Defense LP
    Inventors: James G. Vaske, Timothy J. Doering, Joel Martin, Michael Loge
  • Patent number: 6481328
    Abstract: A device for assembling complete propellant charges from a plurality of modular propellant charges. A plurality of magazine tubes each receives a plurality of modular charges. Each magazine tube has an outfeed aperture. A plurality of ejectors eject the modular charges from the magazine tubes. At least one retrieval tube receives the modular charges from the magazine tubes. A manipulator alters a position of the at least one retrieval tube adjacent any of the magazine tubes for retrieving the modular charges from among the magazine tubes. The manipulator also alters the position of the at least one retrieval tube to be adjacent a loading mechanism of an artillery gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bofors Defense AB
    Inventor: Sten Hallqvist
  • Patent number: 6470785
    Abstract: The device for forwarding large-caliber shells to a heavy weapon, especially in an armored howitzer, wherein the shells are laid in a readiness tray that can be displaced horizontally along a forwarding path and the mechanism on the readiness tray axially brakes and fixes any shell laid therein. A shell support supports the shell in the vicinity of its ogive. The shell support is mounted on a supporting-lever rod in the form of an articulated-lever system that can be lowered against the force of a spring. The system's descent can be blocked by a locking mechanism. The blocking mechanism is provided with a pawl at one end of the system's second supporting lever. The pawl engages a notched rod that can be raised and lowered. The upward and downward motions of the rod are controlled by a skate that travels over a control strip while the tray is being displaced. The strip is positioned stationary below the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Heldmann
  • Publication number: 20020144590
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic loading process and system for a large-caliber weapon mounted on a ship and firing ammunition, constituted by charges and projectiles, at a high rate of fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Gilles Grange, Yves Martinez, Jean-Philippe Delaire, Joel Roche, Claude Avrard
  • Patent number: 6460448
    Abstract: The loader assist for mortars allows for the automated loading of ammunition through the muzzle. The invention assists soldiers by transporting the shell into the muzzle from a lower position near the base of the mortar tube thus reducing exposure to enfilade enemy fire and the effects of muzzle blast. The loader assist comprises a frame surrounding the mortar and attached thereto. The frame is supported on pivots mounted to a turntable such that both the invention and mortar move as a unit. A lift device is positioned at the center of the frame and parallel to the mortar axis. A carriage comprising a transfer device is positioned on top of said frame. Said elevator is comprised of two linear actuators which are positioned opposite each other, allowing the jaws on each shuttle to act in pairs with the respective jaws on the other, to grip the shell in two places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Roy A. Zangrando
  • Patent number: 6457397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a shell in the cannon chamber of a weapon fitted with a screw breech incorporating a receiving tray onto which the shell is positioned, enabling it to be brought from a set up position to a loading position in which the shell is aligned with the cannon axis, ramming means and means to wedge the shell in the cannon operating successively, the ramming means and the wedging means being integral with the tray, said tray being connected to the slide of the weapon in an articulated manner in order to move the shell from the set up position to the loading position, the wedging means being connected in an articulated manner with respect to the tray such that after the shell has been rammed into place said wedging means partially engage in the tray substantially in the cannon axis, said tray being engaged in the weapon breech in abutment against a sealing cone of the cannon. The tray is fitted at its front end with protection means abutting against said sealing cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Dominique Guesnet, Didier Thebault, Gilles Lamure, Franck Pollet
  • Patent number: 6446536
    Abstract: A loading system of artillery guns to enable modular charges that are combinable into larger units to be handled in a main magazine with a number of mutually parallel magazine tubes designed to accommodate the modular charges and a retrieval tube whose infeed/outfeed aperture can be docked with the outfeed aperture of any magazine tube. The retrieval tube is used to transfer a selected number of modular charges from the magazine tubes to a loading pendulum used for loading the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bofors Weapon Systems, AB
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Lindskog, Jörgen Bergmark, Björn Lundblad
  • Patent number: 6360646
    Abstract: The invention discloses a structured set of electro-hydraulic pilot servo valves to operate an actuator arm to raise and lower an ammunition cradle. The servo valve structure and operational logic provides redundancy and reduces probability of failure. If one of the valves malfunctions, the remaining other two valves vote to carry more flow to compensate for the lost capacity thereby continuously maintaining system performance at pre-failure or near full capacity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert M. Tellander, Kenneth W. Hummel, Kenneth P. Weichelt, Edward L. Rosenwinkel
  • Publication number: 20020029687
    Abstract: The device for forwarding large-caliber shells to a heavy weapon, especially in an armored howitzer, wherein the shells are laid in a readiness tray that can be displaced horizontally along a forwarding path and the mechanism on the readiness tray axially brakes and fixes any shell laid therein. A shell support supports the shell in the vicinity of its ogive. The shell support is mounted on a supporting-lever rod in the form of an articulated-lever system that can be lowered against the force of a spring. The system's descent can be blocked by a locking mechanism. The blocking mechanism is provided with a pawl at one end of the system's second supporting lever. The pawl engages a notched rod that can be raised and lowered. The upward and downward motions of the rod are controlled by a skate that travels over a control strip while the tray is being displaced. The strip is positioned stationary below the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Heinrich Heldmann
  • Patent number: 6354183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for use in gun magazines first and foremost in automatic-loading artillery guns (26) for arranging and stowing modular charges, and for delivering the desired number and type of modular charge (50, 51, 53-55) for each loading occasion that may involve different charge strengths such as different lengths and diameters but which may be combined in the desired manner for each individual occasion to impart the correct performance to projectiles fired from the artillery gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventor: Sten Hallqvist
  • Patent number: 6272967
    Abstract: An ammunition storage and retrieval system for a weapon is provided. The storage and retrieval system includes a main magazine having a main carrier belt that is configured to store a plurality of munitions have a first set of handling characteristics and a handoff unit that retrieves a selected one of the plurality of munitions and transfers the selected munition to the weapon. The main magazine also includes an auxiliary magazine mount. There is further provided a set of auxiliary magazines that are selectively engageable with the auxiliary magazine mount. A first one of the auxiliary magazines is configured to store munitions having the first set of handling characteristics and a second one of the auxiliary magazines is configured to store munitions having a second set of handling characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Bender-Zanoni, David L. Maher, Sten Hallqvist, Bertil Wall
  • Patent number: 6205904
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an ammunition element (3,4) feed device (1) for an artillery cannon, notably in projectiles (3) or propellant charge modules (4), and comprising at least one storage magazine (2) for the ammunition elements that incorporates at least one row (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), a device (28) to transfer the ammunition elements from the magazine to a loading chute (5) and motor means enabling the ammunition elements to be moved up one row to bring them onto the transfer device (28), feed device is characterized in that each row (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the magazine comprises: a support plate (12) on which the ammunition elements (3,4) are arranged with their axes perpendicular to their direction of movement in the row, at least one conveyor belt (15) activated by motorization (16), said belt pressed to the ammunition elements of the row and constituting the motor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Claude Boutet, Thierry Fougeroux
  • Patent number: 6095026
    Abstract: An ammunition magazine mounted directly on a mortar to improve the firing rate of the mortar. The rounds of ammunition contained in the magazine are conveyed to a predetermined position through the use of a motor drive where they are taken by a transfer device that extracts them from the magazine and places them into the barrel of the mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: TDA Armements S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Poussard, Bruno Boissiere, Pascal Herrero, Pascal Rondet
  • Patent number: 6026729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for artillery guns with fully or semi-automatic loading systems for stowing, handling and, prior to loading the gun in question, for preparing complete propellant charges consisting of modular charges of M(A)CS type, i.e. such complete charges that consist of a number of mutually combinable modular charges which, as they may contain different types of propellant and may be of different standardized lengths can be of different strengths, and which all have a primarily rigid combustible outer casing and where each one incorporates the necessary ignition system. As claimed in the present invention each modular charge is stowed linearly after the other in magazine tubes (4) arranged compactly in parallel on top of and beside each other, each one containing a number of a modular charges of a specific type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventor: Sten Hallqvist
  • Patent number: 5965837
    Abstract: A device for carrying artillery shells, each shell having a cylindrical body and a conical head, is disclosed. The device includes an upper body and a lower body. A gripper assembly is connected to the lower body and has an inner circumferential surface corresponding to the cylindrical body. A driving unit pivots the gripper assembly about an axis. A shell-head stopping unit is connected to the lower body at a position which may be adjusted along the length of the lower body. The shell-head stopping unit receives the conical head of a shell to hold the shell in a set position. Also included is a shell-rear stopping unit connected to the gripper assembly and elastically biased upward with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the gripper assembly. The shell-rear stopping unit holds the rear end of the shell in the gripper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Kang-il Lee, Sung-yong Bae, Hee-sun Kang, Byung-cheol Ahn, Joon-yeol Im
  • Patent number: 5880395
    Abstract: A weapon assembly for an armored vehicle includes a turret; a turret cage attached to and being disposed underneath the turret; a weapon supported in the turret and having a barrel; and a belt magazine received in part in the turret and in part in the turret cage. The belt magazine has a loading belt and a plurality of horizontally disposed, ammunition-accommodating container tubes attached to the loading belt. The belt magazine further has a frontal receiving position above the turret cage and laterally of the turret. A loading tube is swingably supported behind the weapon for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position the loading tube is in alignment with the container tube when the latter is in the frontal receiving position. In the second position the loading tube is in alignment with the weapon barrel in a rearward receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie AG
    Inventors: Herbert Krumm, Wilfried Becker, Udo Weinfurth
  • Patent number: 5844163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the preparation of propellant charges for automatic loading into artillery guns of the type which are loaded with propellant in the form of propellant modules usually designed charge modules, which have uniform section and combustible mainly stiff casings. The invention is based on the utilization of a special type of magazine in which sets of charge modules which correspond to the maximum charge for the artillery gun are successively fed to a module feeding device opening where the quantity of charge modules required for the next projectile is fed from the magazine to a loading pendulum which is swung into position at the module feeding device opening. Loading pendulum is fitted with devices for arranging the charge modules in a straight column above or following each other and for compressing the charge modules longitudinally into a unified propellant charge which can subsequently be rammed automatically by a conventional flick rammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventor: Lars-Olov Lindskog
  • Patent number: 5837922
    Abstract: An ammunition storage and retrieval system comprises a passive magazine having left and right backs of cells arranged in rows, with each cell accommodating a projectile in vertical, base-down orientation; the cells and cell rows being defined by adjacent pairs of elongated superstructures. A projectile loading head is movably mounted by a traveling beam, in turn, movably mounted by elevated rails, such that the loading head may be translated through a center aisle to address a selected row in either bank and then through the selected row to a selected cell for downloading of a projectile therein. A projectile receiver, dependent from the loading head, includes projectile gripping arms and a projectile lifting foot, which are articulated in coordination with operation of projectile locking members mounted by the superstructures to effect downloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lord Maher, Derek Albert Rodriguez, Stephen Austin Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5837923
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring modules (3) that make up propellant charges from a storage magazine to a loading system (5) for loading the modules into the chamber of a large-caliber gun barrel, in particular a barrel mounted in a turret or in an armored casemate, said apparatus being characterized in that it includes: first means (6) for receiving n modules (3) taken from a magazine; second means (7) for transferring each of the n modules (3) to a conveyor (8) of a loading system (5); and control apparatus (9) for controlling the second means (7) so as to select transferal of a determined number of modules (3) to the conveyor (8) as a function of the quantity of modules (3) making up the desired propellant charge for firing a projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Christian Gay, Christophe Nicolas, Fran.cedilla.ois Roger, Laurent Le Grand, Bernard Petit, Didier Thebault, Jean-Luc Pelissier
  • Patent number: 5756923
    Abstract: Ammunition transfer apparatus for movement of ammunition rounds from a magazine to a gun spaced apart therefrom is provided. The apparatus includes a transfer unit for withdrawing ammunition rounds from the magazine and inserting withdrawn ammunition rounds into the gun and a reciprocating drive, disposed between the magazine and the gun, for alternatively moving the transfer unit into a first position for withdrawing ammunition rounds and a second position for inserting ammunition rounds. In addition a carrier is attached to the reciprocating drive, for causing up to approximately a 180.degree. rotation of the transfer unit between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Western Design Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Golden, Dino K. Yu
  • Patent number: 5728966
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device in an armoured vehicle. The lifting device comprises a holder, which can be engaged with a body to be raised, particularly a shell. A driven lifting element is also provided, by means of which the holder can be raised and lowered. In order to be able to take up and transfer in simple, flexible manner the shells, the lifting element is a cable drivable by means of a winch, which is guided on a pivotable, multicomponent articulated arm and carries the holder at its lower end. Preferably the cable passes through the articulated arm and its free end extends substantially vertically downwards, the articulated arm being pivotable substantially in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: KUKA Wehrtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Bobinger, Andreas Riegl, Wilhelm Strasser
  • Patent number: 5675109
    Abstract: A passive ammunition magazine includes a plurality of cells arranged in rows for accommodating projectiles in vertical, base-down orientations on cell base supports. Each cell includes a pair of vertically spaced locking members mounted at one side of the cell for pivotal movement between lower release positions and upper locking positions with cradle-shaped forward edges frictionally engaging the projectile body. An operator, linked to the locking members, is acted upon by a projectile-supporting foot of an upload/download transfer mechanism to produce the locking member pivotal movements. In their locking positions, the locking members are oriented at angles less than 45.degree. relative to horizontal, and, in response to upward motion of the projectile, pivot upwardly to wedge the projectile against fixed backing members positioned at the opposite side of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David Lord Maher