Abstract: A rifle or similar weapon having a mechanical trigger is provided with a mechanism to discharge it by remote command without interfering with the normal trigger action of the weapon. The weapon operator remains in control of his weapon and is able to discharge it at will. A push-type solenoid is arranged to move the trigger in response to an electrical fire command signal from a source external to the weapon and firing circuit is provided to accept the command signal and activate the solenoid. The firing circuit is arranged to prevent discharge of the weapon by external signal except when it is in an aimed, fire-ready position as signaled by the weapon operator.

Abstract: Articulated connection between the break-open action and the at least one barrel of a rifle with two coaxial pairs of articulation members, the two articulation members (1a and 2a) of each pair complementing each other, and respectively one articulation member being provided at the break-open action (1) and, respectively, at the corresponding sidewall of the barrel (20). These articulation members (1a and 2a) exhibit a coupling profile (P1 and P2, respectively) ensuring a shape-mating connection between the break-open action (1) and the barrel (20) also transversely to the firing direction, this coupling profile permitting utilization of the axial pressure (S) produced during firing for generating a component force that is perpendicular to the aforementioned axial pressure (S) and counteracts the spreading apart of the sidewalls (1b) of the break-open action (1).

Abstract: A shotgun choke for deforming the shot pattern to throw a very wide pattern with a narrow vertical band by maintaining a substantially constant width in the choke but narrowing the height of the interior of the choke in a parabolic fashion.

Abstract: A unitary device for venting a rocket motor of an ordnance item having a warhead comprises a circumferential belt containing a cutting explosive charge and constructed for removable mounting around a housing of the rocket motor, and an activating device having a casing permanently connected to the belt. The activating device further includes, in the casing, a striker for movement therein, a spring located and operatively associated with the striker for urging the striker toward the primer from a rest position, and a latch for retaining the striker in said rest position, said latch including a part of eutectic alloy normally opposing movement of the striker and becoming ineffective above a predetermined melting temperature.

Abstract: A handgun frame is provided for receiving a barrel and slide of the type operating on the Browning short recoil principle. The frame includes a magazine well defined within a grip formation. An elongated cantilever support extends forwardly from the grip formation to a position beyond a forward end of the barrel. A barrel bushing is rigidly fixed to and directly mounted on a forward end of the cantilever support for slidably supporting a front end of the barrel therein. Slide support means slidably support the slide.

Abstract: By providing the trigger mechanism in a pistol with a lever (8) which is mounted at its rearmost end on an axle (10), and by providing said axle (10) with a notch which can hold a superjacent hammer retainer (13) having a projection (20), it is possible to release the hammer retainer (13) and thus the hammer (11) by applying a very weak force to the opposite end of the lever (8).The connection between the actual trigger (2) and the gripper (5) is effected through a rotatable disconnector (1) with an upwardly extenidng stud. The slide (17) is provided with a recess (18) which, when the slide (17) is in its forward position, lies opposite the stud. It is thus possible to ensure that the trigger mechanism cannot function unless the slide is in its forward position and thereby has the stud lying opposite the recess.

Abstract: Modifications are provded in the structure of firearms such as breech-loading revolver handguns. Traditionally, these firearms are constructed with mating surfaces in face to face contact, which surfaces must be separated for loading. Where foreign particles are trapped between the flat mating surfaces on closing, jamming results. In one aspect of the invention, these flat mating surfaces are provided with cavities, so that any such foreign matter will fall into the cavities and not prevent the closing of the firearm mechanism after loading. In another aspect of the invention, a series of small vee-type notches, discernible by touch, are formed around the rear edge of a rotary magazine or cartridge cylinder, in a descending sequence in direction opposite to the operative direction of rotation of the rotary magazine when in battery.

Abstract: A liner for the firing chamber of a gun, designed to prevent ammunition "cook-off". The liner minimizes flow of heat into the chamber wall, incident to the combustion process. The liner also retards the flow of heat in the reverse direction, i.e. from the chamber wall into a chambered round. Liner design is such that the liner can be removed and replaced by a new liner when it is damaged.

Abstract: A sabot arrangement is produced in accordance with an improved manufacturing method. The sabot arrangement includes a rotational symmetrical sabot body having a central axial bore and radial separating grooves or slots. The radial grooves or slots divide the sabot body into a plurality of equal segments. These slots nearly sever the sabot body into separate segments, so that a material bridge remains near a forward edge and a material bridge remains near a rear edge of the sabot body, which material bridges function as fracture zones.

Abstract: A logging sonde for evaluating underground formations traversed by a borehole is disclosed. The sonde contains a frame which is free to rotate relative to the cylindrical body of the sonde. The frame supports a plurality of detector means including at least one detector which is free to rotate relative to the frame. Also attached to the frame are locking means including braking means and a solenoid for disengaging the braking means from their engaged surfaces. In a rest position, the braking means are arranged in such a manner as to lock the detector means relative to the cylindrical body. The invention is applicable, in particular, to geophones intended to detect seismic waves along three orthogonal axes, including a vertical axis, regardless of the tilt of the sonde.

Abstract: The insulation resistance between the electroded surfaces of an underwater transducer and the water within which the transducer is immersed is greatly improved by coating the electroded surface of the transducer with a layer of air-free, high-resistance waterproof material before bonding an elastomer covering over the assembly to serve as the outer housing.

Abstract: Hardware and method are disclosed for mixing at least two non-toxic chemical compounds in a warhead for missiles and artillery projectiles to form a toxic agent during their ballistic travel to a target. The inventive design avoids danger from spills of toxic agent during shipment, handling or storage of chemical ammunition by not allowing the constituents of such agent to mix until shortly before the ammunition impacts the targets.

Abstract: A buttplate is disclosed for a firearm buttstock of the type having a chamber therein for storing cartridges and the like. The buttplate has a plate member with an opening to permit access to the chamber and a channel in communication with the opening for receiving a removable cover member. The cover member is slidable in the channel over the opening to control access to the chamber and has means to maintain it in the channel across the opening.

Abstract: An ammunition unit (1) comprising a shaped-charge warhead which can be ignited by means of direct impact on a target (15), by means of a proximity fuze (16,17) and/or an external signal (29). The warhead has preferably an inclined position so that its longitudinal axis (5,5') is forming an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (1b) of the unit. The warhead (4,4') is tiltable in the unit from said initial position into another inclined position depending on the type of ignition. In case of an overflying missile its warhead is directed towards the rear parts of a target, i.e. on the other side of the target seen from the direction of the flight.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism permits the adjustment of trigger pull quickly and easily from the exterior of a handgun over a wide range of adjustment. A double trigger arrangement includes a means for moving a contact point between a front pivot trigger and the heel or face portion of a cooperating slide trigger so that the mechanical advantage between the first trigger and the firing mechanism can be varied. Adjustment may be achieved through the use of simple set screws fitted into the front pivot trigger which may be adjusted with simple tools. In an alternate embodiment, the contact point between the pivot trigger and the slide actuator can be changed by interchanging replaceable trigger shoes, each trigger shoe having a contact projection of a different location.

Abstract: An emergency flare for road and railway use which changes so a different color during the final stage of illumination, thus warning that burnout is approaching, and thereby allowing time for replacement or other means to warn oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A weapon for use in a simulated war game which has the characteristics of a land mine and therefore does not require the user to be in proximity to a target when the weapon is activated. The weapon includes a housing having a first chamber adapted to contain a slurry of a marking agent and dispersing agent. A second chamber, communicating with the first chamber, is adapted to contain a propelling agent such as a cylinder of compressed gas for example. A trigger mechanism is operatively associated with an activator for the propelling agent to actuate the activator when the trigger mechanism is tripped. When the activator is actuated, the propellant is released into the first chamber to drive the slurry from such chamber through an opening into an exterior receptacle, which in turn directs the slurry in a desired pattern exteriorly of the housing.

Abstract: Holster-handgrip extension apparatus for miniature handguns of the type having a handgrip framework defining an opening therethrough. The apparatus includes a pair of pivot bolt support plates located within the framework opening and separated by a separator-spacer member for holding the plates flush with the sides of the framework; a pivot bolt supported by the plates; and a rigid shell pivotally engaging the pivot bolt, the shell having a longitudinal, top opening, slot for receiving the handgrip, trigger, part of the handgun stock, and the barrel when in the closed holster position and the shell providing an extension of the handgrip when in the open, operable, position.

Abstract: A cartridge with a frangible projectile, usable in an automatic or semi-automatic fire-arm, for instance a pistol, wherein the propellant gases are initially expanded to recoil the breech block and then further expanded to propel the frangible projectile without breaking the same until impact.

Abstract: A gun barrel is constructed of an inner tubular liner of hard material forming the bore of the barrel and an outer jacket of carbon-fiber reinforced metal matrix material in which the fibers are helically wound about the liner. In a preferred construction the jacket includes an inner region, an intermediate region and an outer region in each of which the fibers have specified wrap angles and specified mechanical properties in order to provide high bursting strength, high torsional stiffness and high beam bending stiffness.