Patents Assigned to Giat Industries
  • Aiming system for a mounted fire arm
    Patent number: 5864085
    Abstract: An aiming system for a fire arm (3) mounted on an armored vehicle in which the gun can travel in elevation and in azimuth following two perpendicular directions, characterized in that the elevation bearing axis (Y'-O-Y) is located in a substantially horizontal plane, when the armored vehicle is standing on substantially horizontal ground, whereas the azimuth bearing axis (Z'-O-Z) is perpendicular to the elevation bearing axis (Y'-O-Y) and also perpendicular to the gun axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Michel Begneu, Bernard Petit
  • Transfer device for transferring modules constituting propellant charges between a storage magazine and a system for loading the modules into the chamber of a large-caliber gun barrel
    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
  • Stabilizing device for a small fire arm
    Patent number: 5834677
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for a small fire arm comprising means (12) to uncouple the cannon with respect to the firer, hinged linking means (14) which are mounted between the cannon (5) and the uncoupling means (12) to enable the cannon (5) to swivel with respect to the uncoupling means (12), and means (15) to control the swivelling of the cannon (5) in order to offset parasitic movements imparted to the fire arm by the firer during sighting thus holding the cannon (5) in the line of sight fixed by the firer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Sylvain Muller
  • Measurement sensor for a linking wrench between two mechanical parts, as well as its manufacturing process
    Patent number: 5821431
    Abstract: A measurement sensor for a linking wrench between two mechanical parts and intended to enable a full force wrench with three force components and three moment components to be measured is provided. The sensor comprises six piezoelectric cylinders, whose axes are directed along six directions, two support plates mounted facing one another and respectively in contact with the two end faces of each piezoelectric cylinder, and screws to fasten the six piezoelectric cylinders between the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Didier Durand
  • Method and device for detecting objects dispersed in an area of land
    Patent number: 5808969
    Abstract: A process and device for detecting objects, in particular mines, dispersed in an area of land. The process implements a plurality of acoustic transducers. After determination of an optimal operational frequency, a brief acoustic pulse is emitted into the ground and then successive temporal reversals of signals received by the transducers focus detection on a first object. At least two transducers for which the propagation times are roughly equal are located and at least one location direction, defined as the mean perpendicular of the segment joining the at least two transducers, is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Philippe Arnaud, Loic Laine
  • Shaped-charged warhead and munition equipped with such a warhead
    Patent number: 5801323
    Abstract: A shaped-charge warhead for munitions according to the invention includes a triggering mechanism and an explosive charge located inside an envelope and in contact with a covering designed to be set in motion in a direction of action by the detonation of the explosive charge. The envelope is essentially cylindrical and the covering is located such that the direction of action is essentially perpendicular to the axis of the envelope. The triggering mechanism is located in the vicinity of the cylindrical envelope and on the other side of the axis relative to the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Alain Kerdraon
  • Exercise mine and programming and simulation device therefor
    Patent number: 5801322
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise mine system for training in mine detection. The invention including a passive oscillating circuit tuned to a certain frequency. This circuit being designed to be detected by another active oscillating circuit carried by an individual or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Loic Laine, Philippe Arnaud
  • Acoustic pressure gradient sensor
    Patent number: 5780745
    Abstract: An acoustic pressure gradient sensor able to detect a sound signal. The sensor includes a mechanical-acoustic device formed of a sphere that has omnidirectional sensitivity to the pressure gradient, an electromechanical device that accommodates the mechanical-acoustic device and that transforms the stresses into electrical impulses, and an electronic device to process the electrical impulses. The electromechanical device is formed of two printed circuits that incorporate low noise amplifiers. The printed circuits are separated by beams. The arrangement of the beams marks out a triangular structure. Each of the beams carries a gauge to measure the stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Didier Durand
  • Sealing device for a weapon firing caseless ammunition
    Patent number: 5777256
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the combustive gases of a caseless munition is mounted between a barrel and a firing chamber of a small caliber weapon. The sealing device includes a ring-shaped sealing element with a first end forming a radially extending sealing surface structured to press against the rear face of the barrel, and a second end includes an outwardly facing axially extending lip designed to press against an inner wall of the firing chamber. A cooling element reduces the rise in temperature of the sealing element, which comes into contact with the combustive gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.oise Simon, Franck Bouvard
  • Splinterproof lining for armoured vehicles
    Patent number: 5767435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a splinterproof lining for a structure, such as an armoured vehicle. The splinterproof lining comprises several layers. The splinterproof lining includes an adhesive layer of solid organic material which is placed against a wall of the structure. The adhesive layer is between approximately 2 and 30 mm thick. An adjacent layer of a composite material with an organic matrix and a mineral or an organic reinforcement is placed in the immediate vicinity of the adhesive layer. The adjacent layer is approximately 5-30 mm thick. The splinterproof lining may also include a dispersion zone approximately 5 to 10 mm thick and filled with a polyurethane foam, with the dispersion zone placed between the adhesive layer and the adjacent layer. Additionally, an absorbing layer of double-drawn polyethylene approximately 5 mm thick, may be placed against the adjacent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Reymann
  • Slug generating charge
    Patent number: 5744747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slug generating charge incorporating an explosive charge arranged in an envelope and a liner intended to be set into motion by the detonation of the explosive. The liner, whose thickness decreases between a central part and its periphery, is in contact with the envelope. A plate is placed between the explosive charge and the liner. The plate is of a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the envelope and is in contact with the liner at least at the latter's thinned peripheral part. The material of the plate is selected such that it reduces the velocity transmitted to the peripheral part of the liner by the explosive charge upon its ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot, Laurent Chauveau, Bernard Ceyrat
  • Device for adapting a shooting aid onto an individual fire-arm
    Patent number: 5737866
    Abstract: Device for adapting shooting aids onto an individual fire-arm (1) at the vicinity of the front portion of the barrel, characterized in that it is comprised of a fixed element (8) integral with the fire-arm, and a removable element (13) which can be made integral with the fixed element (8) and the barrel (2) of the fire-arm. The shooting aid can be a laser designator or a grenade launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean Minaire, Jean-Pierre Montgrenier
  • Protection devices for a vehicle or structure and method
    Patent number: 5739458
    Abstract: A device for protecting a vehicle or structure against attack by a shaped-charge munition includes at least one deployable bag fastened on an external wall of the vehicle or structure. The bag is inflated by a generator in response to the detection of an attack. As a result, the invention provides an effective protection against attack by shaped-charge munitions whatever the angle of incidence of these charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Philippe Girard
  • Propellant charge combustible container for field artillery ammunition
    Patent number: 5726379
    Abstract: A live powder propellant charge combustible container for field artillery ammunition,having substantially the same overall dimensions as a conventional slow powder propellant charge container used for long range firing and having,means (R, E) to reduce its inner volume (7) to enclose the quantity of live powder necessary for the field artillery to be used to carry out short range firing, and somemeans (R, E) to be able to differentiate it, visually and by touch, from a conventional slow powder container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Bernard Kotas, Laurent Deguen
  • Priming mechanism for a propellant charge notably for field artillery ammunition and its manufacturing process
    Patent number: 5712444
    Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Bernard Brion, Claude Julien
  • Motorized breakdown vehicle, in particular for a tank
    Patent number: 5695207
    Abstract: A motorized breakdown vehicle for an armored vehicle such as a tank includes a chassis that supports a platform having a gangway and a ladder for climbing to the platform. The ladder and gangway are hinged to the platform around a common hinge pin and are selectively connected to one another by a releasable locking structure such that the gangway and the ladder are integral with one another during transport and are independently maneuverable during maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Renaud Mouterde, Bernard Timmer, Erick Thuillier
  • Transmission assembly with a telescopic universal joint, weapon having such a transmission assembly and method
    Patent number: 5675111
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for transmitting power between a fixed part and a moving part of a weapon, the moving part being disposed to move in response to recoil of the weapon, includes a drive motor, a mechanism, and a transmission device. The drive motor is attached to the fixed part. The mechanism is attached to the moving part. The transmission device is coupled to the drive motor and to the mechanism. The transmission device transmits power from the drive motor to drive the mechanism and includes a telescopic universal joint assembly. As a result, the transmission assembly permits power to be reliably supplied from the drive motor to the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Alain Goudour, Christian Gyre
  • Muzzle brake for medium or large caliber cannons
    Patent number: 5675107
    Abstract: A muzzle brake for a large or medium caliber barrel. The muzzle brake has a body whose inner dimensions are substantially greater than those of the barrel and which is fitted with at least one stage of two openings prolonged by vanes upon which the propellant gases are applied to create a force in the opposite direction to that generated by these gases. The muzzle brake comprises a tubular component prolonging the free end of the barrel, that is engaged in the body and pierced with several vents directing the propellant gases towards the vanes. The diameter of the tubular component is roughly between the caliber of the barrel and the diameter at the bottom of the rifling grooves of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Francis Ledys, Regis Dupuy, Nicolas Brunet
  • Device for coupling a recoil mechanism to a cradle and method for transporting an artillery weapon
    Patent number: 5675113
    Abstract: An artillery weapon includes a cradle, a recoil mechanism body, a flange that fastens the body to the cradle, first rigid fastening structure for fastening the flange to the cradle and second fastening structure for fastening the body to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Balbo, Philippe Grelat, Guy Malassenet, Fabienne Mandereau
  • Device for manually opening a wedge breechblock and gun equipped with such a device
    Patent number: 5675108
    Abstract: A manual breechblock opening device that actuates a breechblock lever to open a wedge breechblock of a gun against an elastic return force includes a manual control member, a drivetrain and a holder. The manual control member is disposed within reach of an operator. The drivetrain includes a rotating output shaft coupled to the breechblock lever and a rotating input shaft coupled to the output shaft and coupleable to the manual control member. Actuating the manual control member rotates the drivetrain in a first rotational direction and causes the output shaft to engage the breechblock lever and to open the wedge breechblock. The blocking member is coupled to and disposed to prevent the rotation of the drivetrain in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Balbo, Guy Malassenet, Fabienne Mandereau, Philippe Grelat