Patents Represented by Attorney Michael C. Sachs
  • Patent number: 7162822
    Abstract: A buttstock for a firearm having a buffer recoil mechanism is collapsible and adjustable. The buttstock includes a lower receiver extension having a bore therein that fits over the buffer recoil mechanism, the lower receiver extension being fixed to the buffer recoil mechanism; a buttstock body having a bore therein for receiving the lower receiver extension; a locking lever disposed along the bottom edge of the buttstock body; a locking pin disposed in the buttstock body and in the locking lever; and a compression spring disposed around the locking pin for biasing the locking pin towards the lower receiver extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael Heayn, Christopher M. Shaffer, Dean M. Mohamed, Kenneth R. Jones, Richard Beckman
  • Patent number: 7150234
    Abstract: A finless cone-nosed, ogival-nosed, or combination ogive-cone nosed training projectile is statically stable, yet has adequate spin rate to compensate for aerodynamic or mass asymmetries. In addition, the training projectile can be fired from smooth bore or rifled cannons of various calibers, including 120 mm and 105 mm. Spin torque and stability augmentation are provided by a radially angled slotted tail flange attached to the rear of the training projectile, providing high performance and improved accuracy at low cost for use in training exercises. The training projectile has a higher static margin than conventional devices, and provides the ability to train personnel with a training projectile that achieves flight ranges similar to its matching tactical projectile, and has improved accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Stewart Gilman, Anthony Farina, Leon Manole
  • Patent number: 7121401
    Abstract: A packaging system for a single ammunition includes a cylindrical metal container and a cap therefore. A locking mechanism locks the cap to the top end of the container and a guiding mechanism guides the cap onto the top end of the container before the locking mechanism is locked to assure proper alignment. A plurality of impact rings are located laterally about the container and the cap to provide impact protection therefore. A stacking mechanism for each container allows a plurality of the containers to be securely stacked adjacent one another. The stacking mechanism includes a first top member and a second top member located adjacent the top ring and located 180° from one another about the cap such that the first top member of one cap interlocks with the second top member of an adjacent cap, and a similar arrangement on the bottom ring of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Yash Sinha, Mark Benko, Ronald Dale Turner, Philip Kadlecek, Yuen H. Lam, William C. Paulo
  • 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: 7055438
    Abstract: A flameless tracer/marker provides heat mark chemicals with optional chemlucents chemicals that can be carried and delivered by a projectile to mark a target. This marking payload may be carried by small, medium and large caliber projectiles that are part of ammunition items including 20 and 40 mm grenade launched, 90 mm, 105 and 120 mm tank, 60, 81 and 120 mm mortar and 105 and 155 artillery ammunition. This ammunition is gun launched and the projectiles can provide a heat trace to the target and/or upon impact with the target the projectile breaks or shatters and leaves a heat signature on the target for up to several hours. Included with these heat chemicals may be optional chemlucents. This heat mark may be placed into a lethal and non-lethal projectile. This allows heavy and light armor targets, vehicles, buildings and personnel to be marked without extensive damage to the target and without seriously injuring a person. The target may now be heat marked and chemlucent marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Erinn Harbeck McCarthy, Steven Kelley, Remi Chian, Melissa Wanner, Ernest Logsdon
  • Patent number: 7055422
    Abstract: An improved Barrett anti-armor gun that is modified to function from the open bolt with advanced primer ignition, wherein the forward momentum of the recoiling masses at the moment of firing offset a significant portion of the recoil impulse from firing. The modification reduces the recoil energy absorbed by the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank Dindl, Sergio Aponte
  • Patent number: 7036434
    Abstract: A length of a rod of an axial kinetic energy projectile is increased as the projectile flies to the target. The projectile includes a nose, a rear, and a base rod. The base rod has a forward member, a rearward member, and a connection between the forward member and the rearward member which allows the forward member to move axially relative to the rearward member from a contracted position where the rod has a reduced length to an extended position where the rod has an increased length greater than the contracted length. Further, the base rod includes a locking mechanism which axially locks the forward member and the rearward member together when the forward member is moved from the contracted position to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel Vo, Leon Manole, Michael Donadio
  • Patent number: 7025000
    Abstract: A new mechanism substantially reduces the vulnerability of explosive load munitions to thermal stimuli, such as fire or heat during transport and storage, thus enhancing personnel safety and the survivability of adjacent munitions. The mechanism includes a threaded fuze adapter made of plastic and having a melting temperature that is lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the explosive. The adapter secures a fuze or metal closing plug to an explosive loaded projectile and is designed to permit venting of combustion gases through the nose of the projectile upon auto-ignition of the explosive, thereby preventing detonation of the explosive and fragmentation of the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Roger S. Wong, Henry T. Rand, Jr., Jeff Ranu, Charles William Oakley, Michael E. Ivankoe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7021219
    Abstract: A low-impulse, non-lethal telescoping cartridge for deployment of non-lethal ordnance. The cartridge includes a payload cup containing at least one non-lethal projectile. The payload cup is telescopically mounted upon a cartridge case base. When fired, the payload cup telescopes out from the base and releases the non-lethal projectiles at a non-lethal velocity. The telescoping feature of the cartridge allows the cartridge to be fired from an automatic weapon, such as a 40 mm MK19 grenade machine gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Frank J. Dindl
  • Patent number: 7021187
    Abstract: A low velocity air burst munition and launcher system allows the user to program the munition to detonate in the air at a specified range from the muzzle. The system further allows the munition to detonate upon impact or self-destruct if the target is missed. The system allows the user to program and reset the munition multiple times, and allows the user to perform this operation at night in cold weather conditions. The system requires the user to manually input the range into a fuze programming device prior to projectile launch. The fuze programming device is capable of direct interface with electronic range determining devices. The system employs electrical contacts in the chamber of the munition launcher barrel and on the projectile body to complete the circuit used for programming. Furthermore, this system is capable of integrating a magnetic induction method of programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: James Grassi
  • Patent number: 7013811
    Abstract: An energetic sabot allows part of the sabot to burn away at a controlled rate, adding propellant energy to the gun while at the same time completely support the projectile rod. The energetic sabot is thicker or larger at shot start to support the projectile without breaking. As the energetic sabot travels up the gun tube, the energetic sabot then thins out or otherwise decreases in mass as the force on the energetic sabot decreases. The weight of the projectile consequently decreases as it travels up the gun tube, allowing the gun gases to push a lighter projectile, giving the projectile a higher velocity. Due to its continually decreasing weight in the gun tube, the projectile experiences greater acceleration and exits the gun with a higher muzzle velocity. A secondary effect comes from increased pressure in the gun tube from the gases relinquished in the burning of the sabot, further increasing the velocity of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Anthony Sebasto, Stewart Gilman, Leon Manole, Mohan Palathingal, Robert Marchak
  • Patent number: 6990905
    Abstract: A non-lethal marker projectile that provides site identification capability of a target upon impact includes a rear base made of plastic and a front end extending longitudinally from the rear base. The front end defines a space therein and includes an outer surface having a rear portion attached to the base and a nose portion. The front end also includes a breakable container system located in the space which contains separated chemiluminescent reagents which when mixed produce light. The front end further includes a foam filler which surrounds the breakable container system and which fills the space. The container system breaks on a setback impact that is exerted during firing and initial launch, causing the chemiluminescent reagents to mix and be absorbed into the foam filler, such that upon impact of the projectile with the target, the foam filler marks the target with the mixed chemiluminescent reagents diffused therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Robert Nodarse, Andrew Perich, Floyd Ribe
  • Patent number: 6988450
    Abstract: Anti-personnel tank fired ammunition designed for attacking personnel at various ranges includes a hollow base member adapted with an electric primer and a plastic or aluminum canister containing a payload at one end thereof. In operation, the hollow cartridge is loaded with a solid propellant. The electric primer which is centrally located in the solid propellant is fired and provides a flash together with the gasses needed to ignite the propellant. The burning propellant then provides the gasses needed to force the canister from the gun tube in which the ammunition is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter Georgantzis, Keith J. Martin, Andrew A. Molina, Andrew Gowarty, Anthony P. Farina, Henry E. Hudgins
  • Patent number: 6983700
    Abstract: A variable drag projectile stabilizer is utilized by a training projectile to match the trajectory of a tactical projectile for up to 3 km while having a range limitation of 8 km. The stabilizer applies supersonic flow phenomena to alter the aerodynamic characteristics of a training projectile while in free flight to fulfill this requirement. The stabilizer uses a cowling supported by struts to provide tail lift and ensure a stable flight path. Supersonic flow is established through ducts formed by the cowling and struts when launched from a weapon. The flow remains supersonic until the projectile reaches the desired range but then quickly becomes subsonic (choked) due to shock waves emanating from interior angles in the ducts. The geometry of the ducts can be designed to create different shock wave patterns within the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gregory Malejko, Anthony Vella, Eric P. Scheper, Philip M. Donadio
  • Patent number: 6983699
    Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vladimir Gold, Ernest L. Baker
  • Patent number: 6981450
    Abstract: A grenade dispensing mechanism for non-spin or low spin dual purpose improved conventional munition launched from inside a projectile. At a pre-determined point along the trajectory, the projectile time fuze which is set at the gun functions to provide initiation output to the payload expulsion charge assembly. The payload expulsion charge assembly contains a propellant which when ignited, produces a gas pressure acting on a pusher plate which acts as a piston. The gas pressure increases with time until the forces of the gas pressure acting on the pusher plate through the grenade payload to the base/tail assembly are sufficient to shear the thread attachment of the base assembly to the projectile body section. An obturator band serves to seal the expulsion gas pressures to prevent excessive gas blow-by as the payload canister assembly travels through the rifled projectile body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Louis J. Adimari
  • Patent number: 6978967
    Abstract: A fin deployment system for missiles and munitions that deploys and activates straight flat fins for roll control authority. The fin deployment system employs numerous design features, among which are the following: A wrap-around fin concept generates space-savings within a projectile body whereby the fins are arranged in a wrapped configuration around a boomtail structure. The fins may be constructed of a super-elastic material; the system eliminates mechanical means of deploying the wrapped fins, eliminating the need for springs to deploy the fins. The fin deployment achieves substantial space savings for increasing the onboard towing capacity of electronic packaging or lethality in the missiles and munitions systems, while at the same time providing a good roll control authority during flight by enabling a straight fin deployment resulting from the use of super-elastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Eric Scheper, Anthony Vella, Dave Maurizi, Andrew Molina
  • Patent number: 6959893
    Abstract: A projectile comprises an imaging seeker at a front of the projectile; a front warhead behind the imaging seeker; a power supply; an electronics unit connected to the power supply and comprising a microprocessor circuit board, a voltage regulator circuit board, an inertial measurement circuit board and a fuze and safe and arm circuit board, all electrically connected to each other, the microprocessor circuit board also being connected to the imaging seeker; a rear warhead, the front and rear warheads being electrically connected to the safe and arm circuit board; a rocket motor electrically connected to the electronics unit; foldable fins mounted at the rear of the projectile; a shell that encases the front warhead, the power supply, the electronics unit, the rear warhead and the rocket motor; and a maneuver mechanism disposed in the shell and electrically connected to the microprocessor circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Lucian M. Sadowski, Sung K. Chung, John H. Whiteside, Tomas Cincotta
  • Patent number: 6955125
    Abstract: A practice projectile allows for the release of flame or smoke and bang upon impact to simulate a successful deployment of the tactical cartridge. The practice projectile includes three main components: a center vent tube, a plurality of vent holes, and a plurality of vent plugs. The center vent tube compensates for the physical properties of the tactical mortar cartridge and provides a passage for an efficient release of smoke upon a fuze function. The vent holes are positioned at the rear end of the projectile body to sufficiently release pressure, flame and smoke upon a fuze function. The vent plugs seal the vent holes to protect the interior of the projectile during storage, handling, and launching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert Mazzei, Seungeuk Han, Gordon Cheung, Robert G. Noble
  • Patent number: 6931993
    Abstract: Small, medium and large caliber ammunition housing multiple projectiles are traced by means of a tracing/marking system utilizing chemlucent chemicals. The tracing/marking system also provides target marking when using small, medium and large caliber ammunition. Multiple projectiles are coated in a chemlucent chemical (referenced as the coating) and placed in the ammunition. Additionally, a liquid chemlucent chemical in a separate container is placed in the ammunition. When launched or fired from a gun or munition, the separate container breaks and the coating and the chemlucent chemicals combine, emitting light. The present system applies to multiple projectiles that are either launched in a scatter pattern from a gun or dispersed in a scatter pattern after the housing of the ammunition opens up outside the gun after firing. For military ammunition, the tracing/marking system may use buckshot, steel balls, or tungsten balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon R. Manole, Stewart Gilman, Kevin Stoddard, Ernest L. Logsdon