Patents Examined by Joshua T Semick
  • Patent number: 11221197
    Abstract: A gas generator including a housing, an igniter disposed inside the housing, a combustion chamber accommodating the igniter, a gas discharge port provided in the housing, and a filter having a cylindrical shape and disposed between the combustion chamber and the gas discharge port. The filter is positioned inside the housing such that a portion of at least one end surface of two end surfaces in an axial direction of the filter is supported by contact, an outer area positioned outward in a radial direction of the portion that is supported by contact is adjacent to a predetermined space, and a predetermined outer peripheral area of an outer peripheral surface of the filter near the at least one end surface is supported by contact. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a short path of combustion gas in a gas generator equipped with a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11209249
    Abstract: Exploding foil initiator apparatus, system, and method that improve the current density in the bridge region by modifying the shape and dimensions of the bridge and related components. The exploding foil initiator reduces burn-back by making areas of the bridge thicker except directly under the flyer. The exploding foil initiator boards are built so the flyer is not connected to the rest of the top cover-lay. This avoids losing energy due to the flyer having to tear away from the solid cover-lay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Chadd M. May
  • Patent number: 11193745
    Abstract: A single-point munition arming interface provides a more efficient approach to arming a canister-based munition. The single-point munition arming interface interfaces with electrically-initiated canister-based munitions. The arming interface locks and arms munitions in a baseplate system before initiation. The single-point munition arming interface includes a feature for removing the first safety in the munitions safe and arm device which is actuated upon insertion of the munition into the interface. The second step in the procedure is a user action which simultaneously locks the munition to the interface and completes the arming sequence by using a single mechanism to achieve both essential motions. The arming interface can be mechanically or electrically actuated allowing for remote activation which increases operator safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented bv the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel Campbell, Geraldine Reilly
  • Patent number: 11187476
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward a charging handle for a firearm. The charging handle preferably has a base, a shaft, a latch, and left and right levers pivotably coupled to the base by respective pivot pins and configured to disengage the latch from an upper receiver. The base preferably defines four substantially vertical mating surfaces. The entirety of each of the first and third mating surfaces contacts the left lever when pulled rearward. The entirety of each of the second and third mating surfaces contacts the right lever when pulled rearward. The third mating surface is preferably disposed at an acute angle to the first mating surface as measured forward and outward from the third mating surface. The fourth mating surface is preferably disposed at an acute angle to the second mating surface as measured forward and outward from the fourth mating surface. Accordingly, stress on the pivot pins is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Aero Precision Inc.
    Inventor: Jaeyoun Jung
  • Patent number: 11187481
    Abstract: Fire control mechanisms for a firearm include a trigger disconnect assembly and an action lock mechanism which work together to ensure safe and reliable firearm operation. The trigger disconnect uses a spring biased disconnector pivotably mounted on the trigger to actuate the sear and release a hammer sear upon firing. The hammer sear engages a compliant interface formed by a spring which actuates the action lock to unlock the bolt after the trigger has been pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Inc.
    Inventor: Simon M. Muska
  • Patent number: 11156443
    Abstract: A nonlethal projectile includes a payload for immobilizing and/or identifying a target. The projectile is capable of separating or otherwise opening after launch by a launcher to release the payload prior to impact with a target. The launcher is capable of initiating separation of the projectile. Opening may also be accomplished by a control circuit with a radio-frequency identification (RFID), where an RFID tag in the projectile causes the projectile to open at a specified distance from the launcher. The launcher may include a trigger and/or a safety switch to prevent the projectile from becoming armed until a certain parameter is met. A magazine or breech assembly of the launcher may energize the projectile prior to launch of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: NL Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Pedicini, Joshua Pedicini
  • Patent number: 11149225
    Abstract: An inventive incendiary device is provided. The incendiary device comprises a plurality of corrugated components which are substantially saturated with a waxy component. In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of corrugated components are arranged in a stacked configuration to form a firestarter log. The firestarter log can additionally include a support component longitudinally disposed therethrough. The firestarter log can further comprise an ignition component at least partially disposed thereupon. In some aspects, the firestarter log further comprises a groove, which can provide an air passageway, and in which the ignition component can be at least partially disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: James Perry Merritt
  • Patent number: 11143475
    Abstract: A firearm trigger finger stop apparatus for training shooters includes a guard clamp body having a guard channel to selectively receive a trigger guard of a firearm. A guard set screw is coupled to the guard clamp body and selectively extends into the guard channel to selectively engage the trigger guard. A stop clamp body is coupled to the guard clamp body. The stop clamp body defines a stop inside. A stop set screw is coupled to the stop clamp body. The stop set screw extends into the stop inside. A finger stop has a stopper portion and an arm portion. The arm portion extends through the stop inside of the stop clamp body and is selectively engaged by the stop set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Childers
  • Patent number: 11131516
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a firearm shell casing receiver. The invention generally comprises of a horseshoe shaped member with widened ends and an arm member that serves as a clip to allow for the attachment of a receiver vesicle. To utilize the current invention, the shell casing receiver securely grips onto a firearm's platform whereas the clip portion holds a receiver vesicle to capture any spent ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Chong Lam, Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 11131531
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge case reloading die has a die body defined by an interior bore and a bore opening, and a retention cap attachable to the die body. A cartridge case tool is fixed to the retention cap in axial alignment with the interior bore, and a tip of the cartridge case tool is at a proscribed distance relative to the bore opening. A centering shuttle is in sliding engagement in the interior bore of the die body, and defines a shuttle bore through which the cartridge case tool passes, and a reverse taper opening receptive to the cartridge case. The die may has a biasing element disposed within the interior bore between the centering shuttle and the retention cap, with movement of the centering shuttle within interior bore of the die body being dampened by the biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: William H. Aerni
  • Patent number: 11125524
    Abstract: A firearm suppressor includes a muzzle mount; blast, intermediate and distal baffle cups; a distal end cap; and a shroud. The muzzle mount, baffle cups, and end cap thread together at threaded interfaces. Each baffle cup has an externally threaded proximal segment threadably received in the proximally adjacent component. The distal baffle cup has an externally threaded distal segment received in the end cap. The components are shaped and arranged to form sealed interfaces upstream of the threaded interfaces along the flow path of gas through the suppressor. The baffle cups include baffle walls defining chambers sized and arranged to limit first round pop. The baffle walls define vent passages extending along axes oriented at skew angles with respect to the axes of the baffle cups. A distal baffle cup includes an annular recess for reducing the weight of the suppressor adjacent the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Miele, Robert Marsland
  • Patent number: 11125530
    Abstract: A method for securing an accessory to a firearm includes inserting a lug and a nut into an entry opening positioned between first and second opposite ends of a slot formed in a wall of the firearm. The lug restricts the nut from rotating about an axis of a threaded member with which the nut is in threaded engagement. The slot has a first width, the entry opening has a second width that is greater than the first width, and the nut has a major dimension that is larger than the first width and smaller than the second width. The method also includes sliding the lug and nut in the slot in a sliding direction toward the first end or the second end, and rotating the threaded member with respect to the nut to clamp the wall between a surface of the nut and a surface of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: BRAVO COMPANY MFG, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Stephen Kincel, Jeffrey James O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11126204
    Abstract: The subject disclosure relates an aerial system to track a detected obstacle. The aerial system may comprise a plurality of aircraft, an aircraft storage system to house the plurality of aircraft, an aircraft controller in communication with each of a tracking system and the plurality of aircraft. In operation, one or more of the plurality of aircraft may engage the detected threat. At least one of the plurality of aircraft may include a target neutralization device to strike the detected threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Abramov, John B. Wissler, Martin Kearney-Fischer, Jason Ryan, Jae-Woo Choi, James D. Paduano
  • Patent number: 11118859
    Abstract: A forend for a firearm is shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hawk, Thomas D. Boris
  • Patent number: 11112199
    Abstract: A slide action conversion assembly for converting a gas operated rifle into a manually operated slide action rifle. The conversion assembly replaces the gas operating system of the rifle with a linkage assembly attached to the original bolt carrier at a rearward end and to a sliding handguard grounded to a replacement stationary handguard at forward end. The linkage reciprocates within one degree of freedom along a path parallel to the barrel in order to manually cycle the converted firearm. The conversion assembly further incorporates a sliding handguard locking mechanism to prevent manual cycling when the firearm is in battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Jorge Pizano
  • Patent number: 11112193
    Abstract: An ammunition magazine for a firearm uses a spacer to extend the grip. The spacer is attached to the magazine's tube using a combined fastener and detent mechanism which acts between the magazine's butt plate and floor plate. The butt plate is attached to the magazine tube and the spacer is captured between the butt plate and floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Inc.
    Inventor: Sean O'Clair
  • Patent number: 11085717
    Abstract: A magazine extension comprises an extension body having an open upper end configured to be slidably coupled with an open bottom end of a magazine tube for an ammunition magazine, a retaining member, and a base plate. The retaining member is removably receivable in a passage defined through a rear wall of the extension body to releasably secure the body to the magazine tube. A portion of the retaining member protrudes out of an upper end of the passage and overlaps a rear wall of the magazine tube to limit sliding movement of the tube relative to the extension body when the tube is coupled with the body and the retaining member is received in the passage. The base plate is configured to be slidably coupled with an open lower end of the extension body and obstruct a lower end of the passage to releasably secure the retaining member in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: JAGEMANN PRECISION PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Hillis, Kirk McDonald
  • Patent number: 11079202
    Abstract: A digital sight for a weapon includes a sight body, a mount for a peripheral fixed to the sight body, and a controller. The controller is disposed in communication with a non-volatile memory and is responsive to instructions recorded to boresight a peripheral relative to the digital weapon sight. Weapon assemblies and methods of boresighting peripherals to digital weapon sights are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: Samuel Moseman, Mathew Canahuati
  • Patent number: 11079191
    Abstract: A detachable Gas Key, which attaches to a Bolt Carrier, which provides gas to power the action of a semi automatic or select fire firearm. Improvements are made in both the attachment strength, as well as a significantly improved seal between the Gas Key and the Bolt Carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Edward Sugg
  • Patent number: 11079192
    Abstract: A flat spring for firearm magazines has a one-piece unitary body with end half-coils at opposite ends and interior coils in a repeating arrangement between the end half-coils. Each of the interior coils includes an upper half-coil and a lower half-coil, each extending between outer tips on opposite sides of the spring body. Increasing and staggering the half-coil lengths, adjusting the radii of the outer tips and shaped matching the end half-coils and upper and lower half-coils within the magazine housing all contribute to a flat magazine spring that uses all available space within a firearm magazine to effectively reduce the number of coils and material thickness so that the compressed spring height is at its absolute minimum, thereby allowing for maximum space for ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Corso