Abstract: A receiver for use in the manufacture of a lightweight and strong machine-gun comprising a left shell that includes a milled, single-piece metal flat body of a predefined peripheral shape that is substantially rectangular, and a right shell including a milled, single-piece metal flat body, including said right shell formed in size and shape to be joined together symmetrically with said left shell, to form a compartment, said left shell and said right shell including the same size and shape dovetail interlocking joints, milled in said left shell and said right shell at the same locations, said left shell joined to said right shell solely by dovetail fasteners, without welding, without rivets, and without nuts and bolts, forming a rigid, strong, lightweight machine-gun receiver.

Abstract: A combined breech and ammunition drive is provided for a breech of a weapon and/or for introducing ammunition by a feeding star using an external drive, wherein the respective drive is selectively engaged and disengaged. A selector drum that interacts with the drives has slots for the selective engagement and disengagement, and elements are guided in the slots, the slot moving component which engage into the drives in a form-fitted and force-closed manner and which can thereby engage and disengage same. The component being 3-way jaw clutches for example.

Abstract: A breech ammunition drive for the breech of a weapon using an external drive is provided. A long connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and a short connecting rod moves the breech. The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod is fixed on or in the drive, and the front end engages onto a rack that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider of the breech support or the breech via a toothing. The short connecting rod is retained in the slider and guided by same, and the connecting rod engages into a transverse slot introduced above the connecting rod and below the breech support. The short connecting rod is guided in the slot fixed to the weapon, the slot having a rear end point into which the connecting rod is inserted.

Abstract: Weapons, weapon housing and methods of producing such weapons and weapon housings are disclosed. An example weapon housing for use with a firearm includes at least two housing shells. Each of the housing shells comprises at least one positioning recess. The example weapon housing also includes at least one connection block comprising connecting pins. On an assembly plane of the connection block, the housing shells are to be positioned and aligned on the connecting pins via the respective positioning recess to enable forces that are to act in or against a direction of fire to be absorbed by surfaces of at least one of the positioning recesses or one or more of the connecting pins.

Abstract: A mechanism or drive (100) for a weapon is described, which is characterized by only a limited acceleration of the breech (20) and a jerk- and recoil-free operation, thereby reducing the inertia force and the required power and increasing the repetition rate. The reduction of the required power also results in a reduction of braking power in the case of a quick stop. For this purpose, the rotational motion of preferably a motor (50) or the like is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech (20) using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end limit positions, the rod (3) and the yoke (1) are arranged radially and displaceable relative to each other so that the yoke radius changes when the yoke (1) is rotated. A control cam (6) radially guides the rod (3).

Abstract: A remotely operable machine gun charger is provided for selectively controlling the forward-to-rear movement of a machine gun bolt pin. When the bolt pin is released from its safe position the charger permits the bolt pin to be spring-driven back to its armed position substantially instantaneously by the bolt spring without waiting for pin engagement and drive structure portions of the gun to be returned to their forwardmost positions. The charger permits the gun to be fired during such movement of the engagement and drive structure back to their forwardmost positions, and the charger may be mounted on and removed from the machine gun without the use of tools, or the necessity of removing or adjusting any of the internal components of the machine gun.

Abstract: An accessory to improve handling and transportability of a belt-fed firearm attaches to an upper surface of the firearm and provides at least two protrusions extending outward or upward therefrom, the protrusions sized and positioned to engage a portion of the ammunition belt between two rounds of ammunition and to prevent the belt from sliding across the upper surface of the firearm.

Abstract: A combined breech and ammunition drive is provided for a breech of a weapon and/or for introducing ammunition by a feeding star using an external drive, wherein the respective drive is selectively engaged and disengaged. A selector drum that interacts with the drives has slots for the selective engagement and disengagement, and elements are guided in the slots, the slot moving component which engage into the drives in a form-fitted and force-closed manner and which can thereby engage and disengage same. The component being 3-way jaw clutches for example.

Abstract: An improved barrel and attachment system for rapid fire weapons having a quick release and replacement. Further the barrel is lighter than comparable barrels for the same purpose, and has a flash suppression system.

Abstract: A gatling gun includes an improved barrel support structure assembly comprising a plurality of circumferentially mounted barrel support arms which reduce the weight of the barrel support structure and improved air flow through the barrel support structure.

Abstract: A light-weight machine gun is made by replacing selected components previously made of steel with interchangeable components made of coated titanium alloy. Several different coatings are used on the components depending on the performance requirements of the component as well as factors related to convenience. The back sight bracket, the side plates, bottom plate and cocking handle guide of the receiver, and the carrying handle rod of the carrying handle assembly, are made of titanium alloy coated with tungsten DLC; the front block, also made of titanium alloy, is coated with a first coating of chrome nitride for resistance to wear resistance and secondarily for high temperature resistance, followed by a second coating of chrome carbo-nitride to provide the appropriate appearance; and the titanium alloy carrying handle bracket of the carrying handle assembly is coated with boron carbide.

Abstract: To safely and reliably hold the forwardly spring-biased bolt assembly of a machine gun in a rearwardly disposed position within the receiver portion of the gun, a specially designed locking apparatus is mounted on an exterior side surface portion of the receiver. The locking apparatus has a slot therein which is operative to rearwardly receive a bolt pin portion of the bolt assembly which is anchored to the bolt assembly for reciprocating motion therewith and projects outwardly through a sidewall slot in the receiver for reciprocating motion with the bolt assembly. To releasably lock the bolt assembly in its rearward position the bolt pin is rearwardly moved into the locking apparatus slot, and a latch portion of the locking apparatus is moved to block forward exit of the pin from the locking apparatus slot.

Abstract: A single pintle arm-based structure is provided for mounting a machine gun on the exterior of a helicopter fuselage on the frame of or adjacent a gunner's cabin area side wall opening such as a window or door. The mounting structure permits horizontal pivotal motion of the single pintle arm and gun among lockable service, stowed, crew-served and full forward positions. The gun and the mounting structure, in their stowed position, are disposed externally of the helicopter, thereby permitting of the fuselage side wall opening, with the pintle arm being pivotable about an axis external to the fuselage.

Abstract: The feeder/delinker of a Gatling gun is provided with an access system which includes a unitary access door and a plunger mounted in the access door. When the access door is partially opened, the plunger is deployed and contacts and secures a cartridge in the feeder/delinker so that a user can remove his hand from the feeder/delinker prior to completely closing the access door. When the access door is closed, the plunger retracts into and is stored in the access door.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting on a weapon. The adapter illustratively includes a plurality of mounting rails for removably coupling with a variety of accessories, such as sights, illumination devices, and laser aiming devices.

Abstract: An improved barrel and attachment system for rapid fire weapons having a quick release and replacement. Further the barrel is lighter than comparable barrels for the same purpose, and have a flash suppression system.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled, externally-powered weapon may include a rotative driver connected via a crank and connecting rod to the operating group of the weapon. The connecting rod may be connected to a pinion that meshes with a translating rack and a stationary rack. The translating rack may be connected to the operating group, and the stationary rack may be fixed to the receiver of the weapon. The energy needed to fire the weapon may be supplied by an energy generator. The minimum amount of energy supplied by the energy generator may be independent of the speed of translation of the operating group and may be sufficient to reliably result in cartridge ignition, thereby providing an infinitely adjustable firing rate.

Abstract: An electrothermal gun uses an apparatus for generating high gas pressure. The apparatus includes a receiver having a combustion chamber for holding a propellant which produces a gas component and a particle component when the propellant undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction, and a flow passageway positioned downstream of the combustion chamber. An ignition mechanism causes the propellant contained in the combustion chamber to undergo the exothermic chemical reaction. A separator in the flow passageway substantially separates the particle component from the gas component in the flow passageway. The gun includes a barrel connected to the receiver and communicating with the flow passageway. By substantially stopping the particle component, namely metal oxide, from reaching the barrel, wear on the barrel is reduced.

Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic weapon is provided. Disposed on or in a housing detachably mounted on the weapon is an electric drive motor, controlled by an electric control device, that drives a threaded spindle having a spindle nut on which is disposed a driver. A cocking bolt is guided on the housing and is coupled with a safety catch of the weapon, and is disposed in the path of movement of the driver and is movable out of a starting position, counter to the spring force acting on a safety catch, back to a cocking position in an end position of the spindle nut. In the cocking position, the cocking bolt is arrested by an arresting lever in the end position of the spindle nut, corresponding to the safety condition of the weapon. The cocking bolt is released by the spindle nut during its advancement in the starting position thereof, which corresponds to the released safety catch position of the weapon and leads to advancement of the cocking bolt and safety catch.

Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: A semi-automatic firing and disconnecting device for a non-hammer fired machine. A first trigger member coupled to the weapon's firing pin and a second trigger member adapted for engagement by a user of the weapon move relative to one another from a first position, in which the trigger members are operably connected to one another, to a second position, in which the trigger members are not operably connected to one another, and back to the first position as a result of firing the weapon. The configuration of the second trigger member, upon the trigger members' returning to the first position from the second position, is altered so that the trigger members are not enabled to fire unless and until the user releases and reengages the second trigger member.

Abstract: An automatic cannon, especially for cylindrical, telescoped shells, comprises a receiver in which is rotatably mounted an interconnected gun barrel and barrel extension or rotor. The rotor is connected to a power source, which may be an external source, for being driven at a relatively uniform rotational velocity for firing. A chamber having two laterally spaced apart, feed through, shell-holding cavities, is radially slidably mounted in a centrally located, transverse rotor aperture. Three cooperative camming means, responsive to rotor rotation, cause shell feeding, firing and ejection. Shell camming means simultaneously transport shells from an associated feeder into the chamber cavities and fired shell casings from the chamber cavities to a receiver ejection port.

Abstract: An automatic gun for firing telescoped cylindrical ammunition, the gun comprising a sleeve for supporting a barrel, a breech, and a rear box which are all rigidly connected together by beams, the gun including a chamber disposed between the breech and the barrel and mounted to swing by pivoting about an eccentric shaft, and further including means carried by the breech and the rear box to feed ammunition to the chamber.

Abstract: Control and safety device for an externally powered automatic weapon include at least one rotor driven by a motor and have a stop cooperating with a locking part. The device has both a detent lever to control firing and a second lever subjected to the action of a rotating finger driven by the recoil of the weapon. The detent lever and the second lever are connected to the locking part by a system of slides and links which automatically stop the rotor by way of the locking part if ammunition should malfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device, for an automatic weapon with "floating" firing, including a rotating drum (2) driven by an external motor for driving a breech with a reciprocating motion.The safety device includes locking devices (14) for the rotating of the drum in each cycle, and control devices for retracting the locking devices when the weapon recoils, the control devices being fitted to act on the locking devices for a predetermined recoil travel distance, independently of the weapon recoil starting position.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of an ignition mechanism for a main combustion chamber including an ignition antechamber having a first cross-sectional area, an electrode, and an inlet port for liquid propellant; a conduit having a length over diameter ratio greater than one, a second cross-sectional area which is less than said first area, and an inlet which opens into said ignition antechamber and an outlet which opens through an orifice into said main combustion chamber.

Abstract: An externally driven automatic weapon in which the breechblock and the function of supplying cartridges into the cartridge chamber are effected or controlled by means of a rotatably mounted control cylinder which is provided with a camming path on its circumference and which is driven by an external drive arrangement including a motor and gears for connecting the output of the motor to the control cylinder. The motor and the gears for the control cylinder are disposed within the control cylinder, with the motor being connected to a first nonrotatable stub shaft on which one end of the control cylinder is rotatably supported and with a gear housing or gear block for the gears being connected either to the control cylinder or to a further nonrotatable stub shaft on which the other end of the control cylinder is rotatably mounted. Alternatively, the control cylinder itself may be configured as part of an electric motor which serves as the primary drive, e.g., in the form of a barrel-type engine.

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

Abstract: A breech/receiver assembly for automatic cannon incorporates a rotating chamber and a recoil and counterrecoil buffer integrated within the breech. The breech, including the buffer means, recoils with the barrel and because the mass of the buffer is added to the breech and barrel, recoil forces transferred to trunions mounting the breech/receiver assembly are significantly reduced. The configuration of the breech/receiver assembly, including the rotating chamber and integrated recoil/counterrecoil buffer, enables a shorter receiver, thereby enabling a vehicle-mounted cannon utilizing the breech/receiver assembly of the present invention to elevate to high angles while still maintaining a relatively low gun silhouette.

Abstract: A device for quickly stopping a remote controlled automatic cannon having a breech block which can be moved by means of an endless control groove in an essentially rotationally symmetrical control roller, with each region of the control groove being associated with a respective function step within the firing cycle of the cannon. The device includes an element which rotates in dependence on the control roller and is provided with a stop abutment which is associated with a region of the control groove; and a control piston, which corresponds with the stop abutment, and which, during operation, can be moved axially, by propellant gases developed during firing of the cannon, so that one free end of the piston moves out of the circular path of movement of the stop abutment against a return force, and thus from a blocking position with respect to the stop abutment, into a release position with respect to the stop abutment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cannon-support mechanism that includes means for loading rds of ammunition into the firing chamber of the cannon. An upright hollow strut or arm has a swingable connection with a rotary firing chamber mechanism such that individual rounds of ammunition can be transferred from a support vehicle directly through the hollow strut into the cannon firing chamber. The hollow strut is raisable or lowerable in the direction of its length, whereby the ammunition transfer function can be carried out with the cannon in a range of different elevations relative to the roof area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism that automatically opens the breech block wedge on a semi-automatic weapon, especially a tank cannon with a training liner. Mounted on the breech of the weapon is an electromechanical drive mechanism that includes an electric motor with a drive shaft on which is mounted an energy-saving flywheel that can be connected through adjustable couplings and a reduction gear to an opener shaft on which is mounted an opener lever that shifts the breech block wedge into the open position when the shaft rotates. The flywheel is accelerated to a nominal speed when the couplings are disengaged. Electronic controls then engage the couplings for a predetermined amount of time and turn off the electric motor. Some of the energy of rotation of the flywheel is transferred to the opener lever. The couplings are then disengaged and the electric motor turned on again. The electronic controls are practically activated by the firing pulse and/or the actual firing procedure.

Abstract: An externally powered twin-barrel shuttle gun which has a shuttle having two firing chambers. The shuttle linearly moves between two positions so that the firing chambers are alternately fed a round of ammunition and discharged. The feed system has a pair of augers, each with a helical groove therein which receives a round of ammunition which obtains a dwell position on the zero pitched section of the grooves. A ramming system rams a round of ammunition to the firing chamber aligned therewith and simultaneously ejects any spent cartridge through a forward aperture in the housing. The spent cartridge is frictionally engaged by an axially aligned acceleration belt which quickly withdraws the spent cartridge from the firing chamber and accelerates it onto a deflection cam.

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