Patents Assigned to Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
  • Patent number: 8522683
    Abstract: A method for producing a shell and a shell produced by this method, wherein the shell has a projectile, a combustible propellant charge casing, and a casing cover that joins the propellant charge casing with the projectile, such that the projectile has a sealing ring adjacent to the casing cover. To realize cost-effective assembly of a shell of this type, the casing cover is produced as an injection molded part made of an elastic plastic, such that the front end region of the casing cover facing the projectile forms the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Heitmann
  • Patent number: 8516964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge having a propellant charge casing at least partially filled with a propellant charge powder, and a projectile part connected on a front of the propellant charge casing, wherein the propellant charge casing comprises a casing cover, a casing sheath and a casing base, and the casing sheath is connected to the projectile part via the casing cover and to the casing base via a spring steel sheet. In order to achieve different amounts of propellant charge powder filled into the same propellant charge casing without igniting the propellant charge at undesirable blast waves, a sack-shaped container that is completely filled with the respective amount of propellant charge powder is disposed inside the propellant charge casing so that the container, and thus also the propellant charge powder, extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Klaus-Achim Kratzsch, Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 8505456
    Abstract: A cartridge ammunition, in particular grenade ammunition, is provided that includes a projectile and a propellant charge case for accommodating the projectile and a propulsion, having a high pressure chamber and a low pressure champer, wherein the projectile and the propellant charge case are fastened to one another by way of a connection. The connection includes a membrane having at least one target braking point/opening point, which opens at a predetermined pressure in the high pressure chamber of the propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Patent number: 8499693
    Abstract: A system for optically programming an in-flight projectile fired from a weapon comprises a fire control device and a controlled projectile. The fire control device comprises an optical transmitter and the projectile comprises a fuze, an optical collector and an optical sensor. The transmitter transmits optical signals to the in-flight projectile in order to program the circuit of the fuze disposed in the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Sullivan, Jacob Stefanus Budricks
  • Patent number: 8485098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (1) for a block of explosive material, forming a missile decoy, that is introduced into an explosive material container (2) with a sabot (4) and an ignition transmission charge (5). The safety device (1) is characterized by a prestressed tube sensor/slide (6) that is connected between the sabot (4), the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material container (2) such that it can release or re-close an ignition channel (13) disposed between the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Gaisbauer
  • Patent number: 8479633
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Klaus Lawitzke, Heiner Schmees, Berthold Baumann
  • Patent number: 8459166
    Abstract: A seal is proposed between the drum (2) having a plurality of cartridge chambers (3) and a weapon barrel (1) of a drum cannon, wherein the seal comprises at least one elastically pretensioned obturation ring (4). Each cartridge chamber (3) has an obturation ring (4) for drum-side integration, while one obturation ring (4) suffices for barrel-side integration. The obturation is integrated between the two and is pressed against the face (9) of the weapon barrel (1) or the face of the cartridge chamber (3) that is aligned with the bore axis of the weapon barrel (1) such that immediate sealing occurs even at low gas pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Joachim Herrmann, Hans Hülsewis, Heiner Schmees
  • Patent number: 8443732
    Abstract: A high angle-of-attack projectile or bomb comprises separate compartments that, after launch allow for (a) mixing of the chemi-luminescent materials, (b) heating of the materials in the projectile vessel, (c) pressurization of the projectile vessel, and (d) efficient expulsion of a day marker and heated chemi-luminescent mix upon striking the target. The projectile/bomb allows for the marking of targets. The projectile/bomb does not create unexploded ordnance (UXO) and minimizes use of energetic materials such as reactive chemicals and/or pyrotechnics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8438978
    Abstract: A training ammunition projectile has a projectile body comprising a head with a frangible ogive designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target. One or more marking agents, disposed in the head for marking the position of the target upon its release when the ogive has burst, include 1) chemi-luminescent components, disposed in separate frangible compartments, which mix and react chemically with each other when the compartments break up on setback, causing the mixed components to luminesce, and/or (2) a low density, fine, dry powder material disposed in the head and designed to create a plume, both for marking the target when the projectile strikes the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Sullivan, Darlene Justesen, Perry Justesen
  • Patent number: 8424457
    Abstract: A sabot projectile with a subcaliber projectile body and a sabot, which includes a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the projectile body and a segmented, essentially cylindrical metal guide cage, which is located at the front end of the propulsion element. The guide cage has a central opening that extends in the axial direction, through which the projectile body is passed. So that the sabot projectile is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, has a low weight, and ensures good detachment of the sabot from the projectile body after discharge, the guide cage is a hollow cylinder, on whose inside wall preferably several radial transverse ribs are arranged, which are spaced some distance apart and extend both in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sabot and in the direction of the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Baumann, Klaus-Dieter Freudenthal, Thomas Heitmann, Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 8418621
    Abstract: The cartridge ammunition (1) comprises a projectile (11) and a cartridge shell (10) receiving the same. The cartridges of the ammunition are magazined in a belt (31) and are pulled out of the belt by means of an unbelting device and transferred into the lock of the automatic firearm so that the individual projectiles (11) can be shot from the automatic firearm at a high shooting frequency. To minimize the forces abruptly exerted on the bottom flange of the cartridge shell (10) by means of the removal of the cartridge ammunition from the belt, at least one recess (33) is provided in the bottom flange (32) of the cartridge shell (10), thus increasing the bending elasticity of the bottom flange, e.g. by reducing the thickness of the bottom flange. The recesses (33) may e.g. be designed as a groove (33a) or as a series of blind bores (33b) that extend in parallel to the edge of the bottom flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Kruse, Detlef Haeselich
  • Patent number: 8413585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a projectile casing (3) in which an explosive charge (8), surrounded by a fragmentation casing, (9) is disposed, wherein the fragmentation casing (9) is fixed to the projectile casing (3), and the projectile (1) comprises a first ignition unit (11) adjacent to the explosive charge (8) disposed to the rear for igniting the explosive charge (8). The projectile (1) may be selectively used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile whose effect is due to pressure waves resulting from explosion of the explosive charge (8) due to an ejection charge (15), and the explosive charge (8) is axially displaceable relative to the fragmentation casing (9), which allows the explosive charge (8) to slide out of the projectile casing (3) at least far enough so that the explosive charge cannot act on the fragmentation casing (9) to fragment it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Heitmann
  • Patent number: 8413565
    Abstract: A drive, having a quick stop mechanism, for a breech is axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel, and includes a motor, two counter-rotating chains and sprocket wheels that guide the chains. Engaging cams and control cams are integrated into the chains. A slide mounted at the bottom of the breech is displaceable transversely to the direction of fire and has a groove that the engaging cams engage to entrain the breech in a forward or reverse motion relative to the direction of fire. The engaging cam transporting the breech forwards is displaced from the groove while the control cam displaces the slide simultaneously to its center position via its ascent ramp, thereby allowing breech rest periods in the forward limit position. Firing causes the slide to move from the center position to the left hand side whereas it remains in the center position when no shot is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Klaus Lawitzke, Heiner Schmees, Berthold Baumann
  • Patent number: 8408138
    Abstract: In order to prevent slipping of the liner on an explosive charge in a missile, the invention provides that at least one flaring or cam is fixed in the liner which, when deformed inwards, can hook itself on the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schwenzer, Ole Dau
  • Patent number: 8402874
    Abstract: A drive for a breech/breech carrier renders it axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel. The drive includes a motor, two engaging cams mounted on a chain arranged below the breech and guided around two sprocket wheels. A slide is mounted in a guide at the bottom of the breech/breech carrier so as to move at a right angle to the direction of fire, with a groove extending over its entire width. The respective engaging cam entrains the breech in forward motion relative to the direction of fire, or in reverse motion, once the shot is fired, and transports the breech forwards, is displaced from the groove, and moves backwards without the breech, thereby allowing breech rest periods in a forward position. During firing, the slide moves, whereas it remains stationary when no shot is fired so no further engaging cam can entrain the breech backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Joachim Herrmann, Klaus Lawitzke, Heiner Schmees, Berthold Baumann
  • Publication number: 20130036932
    Abstract: An explosive body is encapsulated in such a way that the encapsulation or casing supports the ignition behavior of the explosive body or of the components. The explosive body has a casing for accommodating the components of the explosive body, which differ with regard to the chemical composition and the properties thereof. An additional component is located in the casing as an ignition aid. The explosive body can be ignited through the top/side surface of the casing or by an internal ignition mixture located inside the explosive body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventor: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
  • Patent number: 8347773
    Abstract: A thermal insulation jacket for a gun barrel, especially a cannon barrel, where the thermal insulation jacket includes a metal jacket that surrounds the gun barrel. In order to prevent uneven heating of the surface of the gun barrel within the thermal insulation jacket, an additional area that is especially effective at reflecting thermal radiation is provided on the inner surface of the metal jacket that lies opposite the underside of the gun barrel, so that when the gun barrel heats, the temperature differences between the upper side and the underside of the gun barrel are at least partially compensated. For this purpose, a reflective film is provided as the area that is a good reflector of thermal radiation. This reflective film is adhesively attached to the metal jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Schlenkert, Eckehard Bohnsack, Alexander Tekin
  • Patent number: 8336458
    Abstract: A projectile in which the metallic base body itself is used as a ground wire and only the signal line is passed through the inside of the base body so that it is insulated by a suitable bore of the base body. The signal line is insulated from the ground wire by a coating of an electrically insulating material applied to the base body, before the signal line is introduced into the bore. The two ends of the signal line are provided with connecting contacts, which preferably can be screwed at least partially into the base body and are mounted in such a way that they are insulated from the base body. To allow contacting of the ground wire, which is formed by the base body itself, the front end and the rear end of the base body are provided with coating-free blind bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Baumann, Torsten Niemeyer, Juergen Pellnath
  • Patent number: 8297161
    Abstract: Flare munition for battlefield illumination is provided that includes: (a) at least one electrical flare body; (b) an electrical energy source connectable with the flare body; and (c) an electrical or electronic control device for connecting the electrical flare body with the source of energy during a specified time interval. The flare munition can be fired from a weapon or can be launched as a bomb and allows safe and simple subsequent recovery of the corresponding flare body because no pyrotechnic flare charge is used. Instead, an electrical flare body is used that emits light in the visible and/or infrared wavelength range depending on its intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Münzner
  • Patent number: 8297187
    Abstract: A marking projectile comprises separate compartments that break during launch due to rotation of the projectile as it leaves the barrel of a weapon. Metal pellets contained within the compartments are pressed outward and pierce the compartment walls. This allows for mixing of chemical materials contained within the compartments, so that the materials substantially react by the time the projectile strikes a target. The chemical materials may be a pair of chemi-luminescent components, or components that create heat for thermal marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Sullivan