Patents Examined by Michael David
  • Patent number: 9518799
    Abstract: A paintball gun generally comprising a body split into an upper portion and a lower portion is provided. The split body allows exposure of internal components for access, service and/or maintenance. In an embodiment, the paintball gun preferably includes a valve assembly fixedly secured within the body. In an embodiment, the paintball gun preferably includes a barrel adapter for engaging a barrel, with the barrel adapter secured within the body by a gripping piece. A method of servicing a paintball gun is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: GI Sportz Direct LLC
    Inventor: Simon B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9513073
    Abstract: A hybrid firearm receiver includes a receiver body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a substantially planar bottom surface extending from the first end to the second end and transitioning to two upwardly extending opposing sidewalls, and a top end, the receiver body extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first end is integrally formed with the receiver body and includes a circular first cavity and a smaller circular second cavity below the circular first cavity. The second end includes an aperture. The axis extends through a center of the circular first cavity and through the aperture and is below the top end. The circular first cavity may be configured to receive a portion of an AR-15 rifle stock assembly. The aperture may be configured to receive an AK pattern rifle barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sharps Bros, LLC
    Inventors: John Sharps, Joe Sharps
  • Patent number: 9513086
    Abstract: A system includes a boresight insert configured to be partially inserted into a barrel of a weapon. The boresight insert includes an optics section configured to generate light that identifies an impact point for a projectile from the weapon. The boresight insert includes a mechanical section coupled to the optics section. The mechanical section is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel to secure the boresight insert in place and to disengage the inner surface of the barrel to allow insertion and removal of the boresight insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chad Wenn, Anthony R. Vulcano
  • Patent number: 9500448
    Abstract: An initiator assembly having a base, first and second conductive elements, a first electrically insulating member and an energetic material. The first conductive element, which is configured to receive an electrical input, is coupled to the base and includes a tip. The first electrically insulating member is disposed over the tip. The second conductive element has a bridge that is disposed over the first electrically insulating member. The bridge is configured to vaporize in response to transmission of the electrical input from the tip of the first conductive element to the bridge. The energetic material is disposed over the bridge. Energy produced during vaporization of the bridge is transmitted to the energetic material to initiate at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event in the energetic material. A method for operating an initiator assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, Bradley L. Hanna, Edwin J. Wild
  • Patent number: 9500432
    Abstract: A dart launcher comprises a housing, a safety arm, and a trigger. The housing includes a launching section configured to receive a dart having a minimum threshold length. The safety arm is movably attached to the housing and extends at least partially across the launching section. The safety arm is positioned so that the dart having the minimum threshold length engages at least a portion of the safety arm upon insertion into the launching section. The trigger is movable with respect to the housing and is operable to cause the dart having the minimum threshold length to launch from the launching section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Easebon Services Limited
    Inventor: Francis See Chong Chia
  • Patent number: 9500453
    Abstract: A wad or basewad for ammunition includes an ignition chamber. The ignition chamber can be integrally formed with the payload wad, basewad, or battery cup or can be attached to the payload wad, basewad, or battery cup. The ignition chamber communicates with a primer of the ammunition to receive and contain the primer blast for at least an initial period of time. This facilitates faster initial ignition of the propellant of the ammunition, and consequently allows higher performance levels to be achieved. Other advantages regarding other applications of this invention include cleaner burning loads, greater economy, and lower perceived recoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David K. Schluckebier, Kevin R. Cross, Ricky J. Buckmaster, Spencer D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 9500431
    Abstract: A dummy cylinder for a revolver that permits dry fire practice but does not permit the insertion of live ammunition. The dummy cylinder approximately duplicates the outer dimensions of a normal cylinder so that it may replace the normal cylinder for safer training. It may use the extractor and ratchet of the revolver or may be constructed to simulate the dimensions of those parts. It may contain integral firing-pin cushioning devices, or may be constructed to allow the insertion of such devices while preventing the insertion of live ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Neale Lyman
  • Patent number: 9494389
    Abstract: A structurally reinforced optically transparent panel that may be utilized as a bulletproof window or shield. The panel includes a plurality of angled reinforcement members having a reflective top and bottom surfaces. Optical lenses are disposed between the reinforcement members directing a light ray in a predetermined direction. The geometry and spacing of the reinforcement members is such that the light rays enter and exit the bulletproof panel at substantially the same angle allowing an observer to view optical images of objects behind the bulletproof panel, thus creating optical transparency. The reinforcement members are of a high strength material capable of being impenetrable by a projectile fired from a ballistic weapon or an explosion debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexey Kovalev
  • Patent number: 9482504
    Abstract: A munition (10) with variable explosive power comprises a body (12) extending in an axial direction and housing at least first and second explosive charges (31, 32), together with a firing device (16). According to the invention, the munition further comprises a selector (50, 50?) provided with a detonating portion (52) and adapted to move between at least first and second positions, the selector being configured so that its detonating portion couples the firing device (16) to the first explosive charge in said first position and to the second explosive charge in said second position, one of the first and second explosive charges (31, 32) not being coupled to the firing device (16) in at least one of the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: EURENCO
    Inventors: Bruno Nouguez, Kamel Hammami, Luc Chaffois
  • Patent number: 9482489
    Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria J. Peters, Tim Lesser, Andrew W. York, Rick R. Regan
  • Patent number: 9476669
    Abstract: A compressed gas gun is provided, having a body. A firing mechanism may be received within the body and may comprise a bolt and valve arranged in-line along a longitudinal axis of the compressed gas gun body. Externally accessible velocity adjustment mechanisms may be provided. A removable end cap may be engaged to a rearward end of the body. A control circuit may be provided in communication with a pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GI Sportz Direct LLC
    Inventor: Robert K. Masse
  • Patent number: 9476662
    Abstract: A silencer for a firearm, in particular, an assault rifle or another long gun, is provided. The silencer can be fitted onto a barrel of the firearm, wherein a muzzle brake is fixed to the barrel and wherein the muzzle brake can be fixed to the silencer by a releaseable connection, such as a screw connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas Steindl
  • Patent number: 9476686
    Abstract: An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: William Greeley, Raivo Kull, Ed Soohoo
  • Patent number: 9470468
    Abstract: Firearms and handguards for firearms having three pivotably attached pods wherein a first pod is deployable as a monopod and second and third pods are deployable together as a bipod, or having at least one pivotable pod having at least one hinge pin, at least one locking pin, and at least one return spring that biases the at least one locking pin. In some embodiments, a return spring, a slide spindle, a locking spindle, or a combination thereof, push two locking pins, for example, into opposite detents when the pod is pivoted into a deployed position, and the pod can be released by moving a slide button and secured in a stowed position with a catch. In certain embodiments, the monopod is pivotably attached to the handguard aft of where the bipod is pivotably attached to the handguard. In particular embodiments, the firearm is an AR-15 or an M-16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FALKOR SID, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron A. McGinty
  • Patent number: 9448048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shell (1) comprising a shell casing (2), a detonator (3), a payload (4), a shell base (5) and a separation charge (6) intended for ejection of the payload (4) and the shell base (5) from the shell (1) over a target area. The invention is characterized in that the shell base (5), following separation from the shell (1), can be divided into smaller parts which are harmless for the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Vesa Reijo
  • Patent number: 9448030
    Abstract: Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm, comfort for the operator, and electrical power to firearm accessories. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points. The covers have connectors and internal circuitry such that covers lined up edge to edge are electrically connected. Firearm accessories can be electrically powered the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Falcon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Hines
  • Patent number: 9441905
    Abstract: Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm and comfort for the operator. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Faleon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Hines
  • Patent number: 9435610
    Abstract: A reticle of a projectile-weapon aiming system such as a riflescope includes first and second series of secondary aiming marks spaced apart below a primary aiming point, the first and second series providing holdover aiming points for regularly incrementing target distances for respective subsonic and supersonic .300 AAC Blackout ammunition, or other differing types of ammunition, without requiring adjustment of the optics or settings of the aiming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Silvers, Martin Koornneef, Raymond G. Brock, Stephen R. Hodge, Richard Bradley Brumfield
  • Patent number: 9435619
    Abstract: An assembly for use in propelling electrode darts toward a distant target is deployed in an electrical discharge weapon. The assembly comprises a cartridge having a u-shaped channel terminating in apertures through which wire-tethered darts are propelled. Propulsion is achieved relatively efficiently using the sudden release of compressed gas from a sealed storage tank in response to penetration by a conical penetrator forced by an electrically-induced ignition of a pyrotechnic material to accelerate toward and penetrate the tank at an axial surface. The conical shape of the penetrator and the axial penetration of the tank produces a precisely symmetric rush of gas into a relatively confined volume including the dart channel to propel the darts toward the target in an efficient manner. Paper stickers may cover the dart exit apertures to permit initial pressure buildup before the darts penetrate the stickers as they are propelled toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Yong S. Park
  • Patent number: 9435592
    Abstract: To prevent inertial forces from inadvertently releasing the slide of a semi-automatic pistol into battery, a slide stop retention mechanism is mounted on the frame. A finger extends from the mechanism and pivots under the force of a biasing spring into engagement with the slide stop when the slide is in the open position. The finger supports the slide stop. A force applied to the slide stop, either manually or via a cam on the slide when the slide is pulled back and released, will move the finger out of its supporting position and allow the slide to move to battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Brett Curry