Patents Examined by Denise Buckley
  • Patent number: 6782651
    Abstract: A breaching tool assembly is provided for use with a shotgun barrel including a cylindrical carrier tube with a first externally threaded portion at one end for threadingly engaging an internal thread in the shotgun barrel. A second externally threaded portion is provided on the carrier tube which will remain exposed beyond the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel when the carrier tube is fully threaded into engagement with the shotgun barrel. An internally threaded stand-off tube is also provided which is sized to be threadingly carried on an outside of the carrier tube and to engage the second externally threaded portion of the carrier tube such that the stand-off tube can be threaded onto the carrier tube until the stand-off tube abuttingly engages the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Inpromarketing Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Walker, Douglas L. Burche
  • Patent number: 6769210
    Abstract: An aiming device for pistols comprises a rear sight (2) and front sight having a luminous dot on the side facing the eye (rear sight). The rear sight has a luminous mark and a recess which accommodates the contour of the front sight. The recess comprises a base line or bottom wall and two side lines or side walls. For aiming in poor visibility, the rear sight has a trapezoidal external contour, with the inclined trapezoid sides forming an acute angle at their upper ends with the side lines of the recess, and the rear sight has a second luminous dot centrally under the recess which is located precisely under the first luminous dot on the front sight when the pistol is being aimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Wilhelm Bubits
  • Patent number: 6769209
    Abstract: A removable inner barrel apparatus has a rifle with barrel extending therefrom, an inner barrel having an end through which ammunition can exit, a pressure nut removably fastening the barrel of the rifle to the inner barrel, and a compression spring positioned within the pressure nut. The inner barrel has a grooved hollow interior and a bushing affixed adjacent to an opposite end thereof. The compression spring urges against a surface of the bushing so as to urge the bushing against the end of the inner barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Hector Mendoza-Orozco
  • Patent number: 6708439
    Abstract: A precision mount has two split rings that directly engage a telescopic sight. The front split ring is mounted on shoulder bolts to provide a pivoting engagement, while the rear split ring is held within a slide and adjusted vertically therein using a precision adjuster. A balanced lock is provided which ensures alignment is preserved during position locking, subsequent to adjustment. Windage is provided on a separate adjustment between the sight yolk and the rifle attachment, thereby isolating windage from position locking and simplifying the appropriate adjustments. Precision connections are maintained at all critical locations, even after shock or recoil, by using precisely dimensioned pins and mating holes in association with standard bolt fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Elmer Laitala
  • Patent number: 6662485
    Abstract: A firearm interface for a buttstock and pistol grip that provides a means to attach a pistol grip or a buttstock assembly to a firearm, and shotguns in particular. It can be used for either modality individually or both in combination. It allows the utilization of an M16/M4 style pistol grip and the adjustable, as well as the fixed buttstocks of M4/M16 style rifles and carbines. The buttstock and pistol grip interface confers the ability to configure the firearm to different requirements and to the ergonometric needs of diverse individuals. By facilitating the use of M4/M16 style receiver extensions and M16/M4 style pistol grips the buttstock and pistol grip interface brings a vast array of options to the firearms to which it is affixed. For those individuals with military experience the use of M16/M4 style components imparts a degree of familiarity and utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ira Kay
  • Patent number: 6609323
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a revolver, where headspace is achieved differently and separately from the barrel, where [a cartridge is placed in the cylinder] and where that headspace is a function of caliber and varies per caliber/cylinder. The system of the present invention links a unique barrel and cylinder relationship so that each may be exchanged with the other set on the same frame. A tension ring is used to threadedly engage the interchangeable barrel relative to the interchangeable cylinder and revolver frame such that the predetermined headspace is preserved. And all being fit to differing headspace points within the single revolver frame. Each could be numbered so that confusion of which cylinder with which barrel be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: United States Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Douglas F. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 6604313
    Abstract: A gun locking device for a firearm includes a flexible cable, a dummy cartridge attached to the first end of the cable, a lock core attached to the second end of the cable, a lock collar having a bore adapted to be disposed over the lock collar, and a lock. In one embodiment, the lock core has a casing with at least one circumferential groove, and the lock collar has an opening extending therethrough adapted to be disposed over the circumferential groove. A portion of the lock extends through the opening of the lock collar to restrain movement of the lock care and the lock collar relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth I. Kress
  • Patent number: 6591537
    Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a rifle. The indicia include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a cross-wind of 10 mph at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6591754
    Abstract: A pyrotechnical ignition system with integrated ignition circuit for an occupant restraint system for motor vehicles includes electrical components for triggering or communication functions integrated therein, a capacitor arrangement, having a flat non-conductive external surface is used as a substrate or carrier element on which the other components are directly arranged and carried. A conductor structure linking the components can be formed by insertable metal parts that are arranged in the housing and project into the holding chamber in which the capacitor arrangement and the circuit component are arranged, and make contact with contact zones on the upper side of the circuit or the capacitor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, TRW Airbag System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Baur, Guenter Fendt, Hermann Kueblbeck, Horst Laucht, Alfons Woehrl
  • Patent number: 6571503
    Abstract: A firearm mounted illumination device whereby the device is mounted underneath the barrel of a firearm. The particular mounting point is the trigger guard of the weapon, eliminating the need to modify the weapon or to have an already existing mounting rail system. The activation switch is a compression switch located underneath the trigger guard of the fire arm so as to allow a user to activate the device without altering his or her grip on the weapon and without extensive additional training in the use of the device in conjunction with the weapon. The device also provides a dual switching mechanism, so as to allow for continuous activation of the device, and a low power indication feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 6571504
    Abstract: A dual powered fiber optic sight for a gun, which can be illuminated either by ambient light or by a light source. The light source is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). Ambient light and light from the LED are carried by a fiber optic rod to a target screen and the rod appears as a bright dot on the target screen on the front sight of the gun. An optional rear sight also receives light from the ambient light or from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6487807
    Abstract: A tripod gun handle for providing a combination pistol grip and pivotal tripod. The tripod gun handle includes a mounting assembly designed for removably coupling to of a gun. A handle portion has a first end coupled to the mounting assembly. A plurality of legs are hingably coupled to a second end of the handle portion opposite the mounting assembly whereby each of the legs are positionable into a deployed position wherein each of the legs is designed for abutting a support surface for supporting the gun. The legs are positionable into a storage position for facilitating transportation of the gun. A leg locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the handle portion. The leg locking assembly is for selectively locking the legs in the deployed position and in the storage position defined by the legs being positioned within the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Matt Kopman, Wally Brownlee
  • Patent number: 6401646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fairing system for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing system includes a plurality of cylindrical shells rotatably mounted about a cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. Each cylindrical shell has opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap configured to allow the shells to snap around the cylindrical element. The longitudinal gap has a circumference of about 120° relative to the circumference of each shell. Alternatively the longitudinal gap can have a circumference of about 60° relative to the circumference of each shell. The shells also include a fin positioned along the each opposing edge of the longitudinal gap, in which each fin extends outwardly from each shell. The fins are positioned on each shell so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration and minimize drag on the cylindrical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: AIMS International, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Masters, Rodney H. Masters, Michael P. Edfeldt
  • Patent number: 6401591
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for clearing mines comprising a housing assembly with a chamber therein that carries a surface contact chemical that is capable of consuming the explosive fill within a mine. A nose assembly is attached to the housing assembly. The nose assembly separates from the housing assembly when the device contacts a solid mass. The nose assembly is capable of penetrating a mine housing and contacting the mine explosive fill sufficiently to expose the fill whereby the surface contact chemical can consume the fill. The present invention also includes a method of using a plurality of such devices in order to conduct a mine clearance operation in a surf zone or on a beach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Ross, Victor J. Carlson
  • 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: 6301819
    Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) having a plurality of projectiles (11) stacked axially within the barrel (12) together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12) is provided with adjacent projectiles (11) separated from one another by locating means (13) independent of the projectiles. The locating means may be a solid propellant charge (13) located between adjacent projectiles or it may be a rigid casing (122) for the propellant. When subject to an in-barrel load a rear skirt portion of the active projectile (11) is expanded outwardly by the interaction between an inwardly reducing recess (14) formed in the rear end of a projectile and the nested complementary leading portion of the propellant charge (13) or propellant casing (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Metal Storm Pty Ltd ACN
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6216351
    Abstract: A day and night weapon sight includes a mounting base, a rod-shaped light guide fixed to the mounting base, and a self-luminescent capsule fixed to said mounting base vertically adjacent the light guide. Preferably, the light guide is formed of a rod-shaped fluorescently dyed transparent plastics material and the self-luminescent capsule includes a radioactive luminescent source (e.g., tritium).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Highlander Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Flubacher, Julius H. Uhlmann, Patricia Wilson
  • Patent number: 6205695
    Abstract: A removable trigger lock having a unitary housing that includes a first guard member and a second guard member permanently connected by a linking member having a fixedly sized gap therebetween for fitting the housing around the trigger lock section of a gun. The removable trigger lock has a lock member integrally and slidably coupled to the housing. The lock member has a open position such that it is not within the gap and an open position such that it is at least partially within the gap. The lock member has a shaft with a latching section for locking the shaft. The trigger lock includes a lock attached to the housing for locking the lock member into the second position. The locking mechanism is a combination lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Tim Schnell
  • Patent number: 6142411
    Abstract: A self destruct mechanism for an airborne projectile is provided. The projectile includes a navigation system which provides an absolute global position of the projectile. The position is compared with positions stored in memory. If the position of the projectile is determined to be acceptable, operation of the projectile continues. If the position of the projectile is unacceptable, an electronic control system initiates a self-destruct signal for the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Nelson E. Cobleigh
  • Patent number: H1938
    Abstract: A supercavitating water-entry projectile having empennage on the aft end which provides both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic stability and a supercavitating nose section is provided. A representative projectile is a subcaliber munition adapted for use in a 25 mm weapon using a sabot currently in use with the M919 round. The projectile has circumferential grooves around its center section to match these sabots. A key feature in the invention is the size and shape of the nose section. The projectile has a novel high strength extended blunt nose section followed by a truncated conical section which angles towards the body of the projectile in the range of five degrees. During underwater trajectory, the entire projectile is contained within the cavitation bubble formed by the blunt nose tip. The projectile's aft empennage, which provides both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic stability, fits within the bore of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Thomas K. Harkins, Howard K. Steves, Jacques E. Goeller